Louis Cody Sossamon

1921 - 2019

Louis Cody Sossamon died Monday, February 11, 2019 at his home at Still Hopes in West Columbia, S.C.

Born in Gaffney on June 2, 1921, he was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Kathryn Edgerton Sossamon, the love of his life.

Louis loved people, lived his 97 years to the fullest and never met a stranger. He valued the friendships he developed throughout his life, from senators, governors and titans of industry to blue-collar wage earners - he had a genuine interest in their lives.

But even more than the friends he cherished, his family came first. He and Kathryn had three children - Kit Sossamon Smith (Joel), Polly Sossamon Player (Warren), and Cody Sossamon (Sherry).

Louis' accomplishments in the sports and business world were many, but he would be the first to tell you that his children, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren were what he (affectionately known as Honey) was most proud.

Some of the highlight's of his life included:

- Publisher of The Gaffney Ledger 1969-1999

- Grandfather Edward Hope DeCamp founded the Gaffney Ledger in 1894 and was publisher until 1927

- Father F.W. Sossamon publisher of the Gaffney Ledger 1927 - 1969

- Graduated from Gaffney High School 1938

- Graduated from University of South Carolina in 1943 where he was president of the student body; member of the Blue Key Honor Society; USC's first AP All- America football player; served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-45; Played professional football for NY Yankees (All-America football conference - later merged with NFL) for three years until returning to Gaffney in 1949 when he began work at The Gaffney Ledger in 1949 as advertising manager.

Also, Junior Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of Salvation Army Advisory Board; elder at Limestone Presbyterian Church; past president SC Press Association; director of Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce; Limestone College trustee; USC trustee, where he was chairman of the Intercollegiate Activities committee when USC joined the SEC; past member of state development board; USC Athletic Hall of Fame and state of SC Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1962 Louis received the first ever South Carolina Press Association and AP News Council Freedom of Information Award. A press release at that time read in part: "Mr. Sossamon's recognition resulted from his determined public discussion of the Cherokee County Grand Jury's involvement in a local school issue, even though he had been subpoenaed by the jury and threatened with indictment. He writes a front page column for the Gaffney newspaper."

In 1998 he was named a Diamond Circle Honoree by USC College of Journalism for outstanding contributions to print journalism.

Louis was a champion of Gaffney and Cherokee County and was instrumental in the recruitment of several industries, including The Timken Company's decision to locate a facility here.

His love for his alma mater, The University of South Carolina was eloquently described by the university's president at a reception in his honor several years ago. Harris Pastides had this to say: "I think it not outrageous to call Lou THE Carolina Man. His professional achievements, his personal history, his wonderful family, just about every aspect of his amazing life could be a model for our students to emulate. And at every step along the way – from student-athlete, to alumnus, to sailor, to professional athlete, to businessman, to trustee – he has championed The University of South Carolina."

A moment of silence in Louis' honor will be observed during the USC women's basketball game Thursday night, according to Ray Tanner, USC athletic director.

Louis loved a good joke, telling stories, playing golf, and growing tomatoes. In his garden at Still Hopes, he suspected one of his neighbors was helping themself to his crop, so he put up a warning sign: "One of these plants is poisoned. Pick at your own risk!"

One of his favorite stories was about the time he first laid eyes on his future wife. "It was my first game my sophomore year. In the first few minutes of the game, I was looking over to the sidelines at a cheerleader (Kathryn). I saw that young lady, and she was so pretty. Coach Enright called timeout and called me over to the sideline. He said, 'Lou, since this is your first varsity game and you have a lot to learn, I'm going to try to help you. The first thing is, when you're out there on that grass with all the white stripes on it and there are those things on either end called goals posts - that is a football field. You're supposed to be playing football, and not watching the cheerleaders.'"

One story you never heard him tell was about the weekly Bible study meetings he started for a group of young black males back in the late 1950s and early 60s. The late Tom Reid, former Gaffney city councilman, was a member of that group and said it had a great positive impact on him and the others who attended.

Friends will be received at Still Hopes Wednesday, February 13 at 2 p.m. A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 14 at 2 p.m. at Limestone Presbyterian Church immediately followed by visitation with the family in the church's Family Life Center. Memorials may be made to the Kathryn and Louis Sossamon Scholarship Fund c/o University of South Carolina or Limestone Presbyterian Church, 109 S. Limestone St., Gaffney, SC 29340.

In a video made several years ago in which he shared memories with his family, Louis said, "I don't know anyone that is as fortunate as I am. I really don't. Count your blessings while you have them. We had 65 years of marriage and that was the best thing in my life."

In his later years he often ended visits by saying, "Enjoy the moment, it's the only one you have."

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, S.C.