Ralph Anderson (politician)

Ralph Anderson (November 2, 1927 – November 30, 2019) was a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 7th District from 1997 to 2013. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, Anderson served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997.

Education
Ralph Anderson received his education from the following institutions:
 * Sterling High School (South Carolina) in Greenville
 * BA, Allen University, 1949
 * Graduate Studies, Howard University

Political Experience
Ralph Anderson had the following political experience:
 * Senator, South Carolina State Senate, 1997–2013
 * Representative, South Carolina State House of Representatives, 1991–1997
 * Council Member, City of Greenville, 1983–1991
 * Board of Directors, Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 1983–1985
 * City of Greenville Zoning Board, 1982–1983
 * Commissioner, Greenville Civil Service Commission, 1969–1973

Legislative Committees
Ralph Anderson was a member of the following committees:
 * Corrections and Penology, Member
 * Education, Member
 * Finance, Member
 * Medical Affairs, Member
 * Transportation, Member
 * Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees
 * Board Member, Community Planning Council
 * Member, Greenville Civil Service Commission
 * Representative of the City, Greenville Housing Authority Board

Professional Experience
Ralph Anderson had the following professional experience:
 * Retired
 * Postmaster, United States Postal Service, 1970–1983
 * Non-Commissioned Officer, United States Army, Fort Jackson/Germany, 1950–1952

Organizations
Ralph Anderson was a member of the following organizations:
 * President, Board of Directors, Phyllis Wheatley Center, 1985–1991
 * Member, Municipal Association of South Carolina, 1986–1988
 * Staffer, Family Counseling Services, 1983–1986
 * Board Member, Greenville YMCA, 1969–1973
 * Executive Member, Appalachian Council of Governments
 * Member, Greenville Regional Board of Directors, BB&T Bank
 * Board Member, Community Foundation of Greater Greensville, Incorporated
 * Member, Freemasons
 * First Vice President, Greenville Chapter, NCAAP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
 * Member, Board of Trustees, Saint Anthony's Catholic School, Greenville
 * Board Member, Senior Action of Greenville County
 * Board Member, Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources

Retirement
On March 21, 2012, Anderson announced he would not seek re-election. He died on November 30, 2019, at age 92.

Legacy and recognitions
In November 2023, the Ralph Anderson Pedestrian Bridge was dedicated.