On Saturday, Summerton Mayor Tony Junious died following a car crash in Clarendon County.
South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) Master Trooper William Bennett reported two cars collided at an intersection west of Summerton and the car Junious was driving then hit a ditch.
Junious died at the hospital following the crash said SCHP officials.
Junious was elected Summerton’s first Black mayor in 2022, and, according to an interview with Manning Live, was considered a well-respected member of the Summerton community.
During his life, he served on the Clarendon School Board for over 20 years and the Summerton Town Council before being elected mayor.
According to a press release from the Clarendon County School District, Junious championed multiple initiatives that enhanced the district’s quality of education and student life.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mayor Junious, who was a valued member of our school board and a cherished pillar in our educational community. His dedication to our schools, commitment to educational excellence, and passion for student success were unparalleled. Likewise, the impact on our district and the lives of those he touched will be felt for many years to come,” stated Dr. Shawn Johnson, CCSD Superintendent.
"We have lost a remarkable individual, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all through the completion of projects he fought for in the Summerton community. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time."
Junious was a staple in the community. Andre James, a business owner, reflected on the impact Junious had on the area.
“Mayor Junious was down to earth and had a heart of gold. I’m a born and raised Sumter S.C. native. Every time Brimskins and Renzo’s Grill would come to the town of Summerton for an event, Mayor Junious welcomed us with open arms," James said.
"He was one of those people that their presence made you felt welcomed. He would turned the corner and all you saw was that big smile we already knew everything was going to be alright. He will definitely be missed and the town of Summerton will never be the same.”
The Town of Summerton released a statement on Facebook following his passing:
"The Town of Summerton is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved Mayor. Mayor Tony Junious’s life was dedicated to public service and his love for the Town of Summerton was constantly on display. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Junious family during this difficult time."
In a review of his first year as mayor, Manning Live provided a list of accomplishments Junious achieved during his first 365 days as mayor.
Junious first-year mayoral accomplishments
· $25,000 Hometown Grant
· 12 million dollars in infrastructure grants
· $50,000 for a flood zone study as flooding in Summerton
· Summerton was a participant in the Broadband Internet Access Survey
· Started Community Clean Up Group
· Passed ordinance on firearms after rise of gun violence in 2022
Former Representative of SC House District 46 and current Director of the F.E. DuBose Career Center, Kimberly O. Johnson, spoke about Junious’ love for the Town of Summerton.
“Mayor Tony Junious was truly one of a kind. He had a big vision and an even bigger heart. If he supported you, you knew it and he made sure everyone else knew it. Just about everyone in an elected office now in Clarendon County, are there because of Tony’s support," said Johnson.
"His love for his family and the Town of Summerton were the joys of his life. He was dedicated to educating children and advancing opportunities while enhancing the lives of Summerton and Clarendon County. He is already sorely missed and we will forever remember his smile and hard work ethic.”
The viewing for the mayor will take place from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 at the Clarendon Community Resource Center. Junious' family announced the public is invited to his celebration of life on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Scotts Branch High School starting at noon.
