John Spratt obit

John Spratt, longtime US Congressman from South Carolina, has died, daughter says

 He was not on the list.

John Spratt, a longtime member of the U.S. Congress from South Carolina, died Saturday night, his daughter said. “I am heartbroken to announce that my father passed away last night,” Catherine Spratt said on Facebook. He “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family … due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.” Spratt, 82, a Democrat who represented South Carolina’s 5th District from 1983-2011, was mourned by President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton and Current U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-Santee, among others. “Guided by his wit, wisdom, decency, and grace, John deeply understood the promise of America, and he fought tirelessly to bring people together to help us live up to that promise,” Biden wrote in a condolence letter to the family, according to Catherine.

The 5th District includes all of Cherokee, Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Union and York counties, in addition to parts of Newberry, Spartanburg and Sumter counties. “Today, the South Carolina Democratic Party joins countless South Carolinians and Americans in mourning the loss of a true statesman, former Congressman John Spratt. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him, worked alongside him, and benefited from his tireless advocacy for our state and nation,” S.C. Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said Sunday. “Congressman Spratt represented South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District with unmatched dedication and grace for nearly three decades.” Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1942; Spratt grew up in York, South Carolina, and graduated from both York High School and Davidson College. He was awarded a Marshall Scholarship to Oxford, where he studied economics, and earned a law degree from Yale. Spratt also served in the U.S. Army from 1969-71, rising to the rank of captain, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, his daughter said. After being elected to Congress, Spratt was the second-highest ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee. He served as chairman of the House budget committee; among his accomplishments was the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Clinton said Spratt “was a skilled and deeply principled lawmaker,” his daughter said. Clinton continued, saying Spratt “was masterful in his knowledge of policy and was willing to work with anyone to pass legislation that would make a difference in people’s lives. He had a unique ability of knowing when to hold the line and when to compromise, and it earned him the respect of all in Washington. I’ll always be grateful for the chance to work with him, especially on the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 which he co-authored and helped produce record surpluses. John was a true public servant and a really good man.” Closer to home in South Carolina, Spratt worked to settle the Catawba Indian land claim that cleared the title to 225 square miles of land in York and Lancaster and paved the way for development in the area to thrive, the Rock Hill Herald previously reported. Spratt also was instrumental in securing more than $120 million in building projects for Shaw Air Force Base. “Serving in Congress with John Spratt was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Clyburn said on social media. “He was a friend and confidant, a colleague and counselor, and a mentor and partner. His love of country and respect for humanity were always on display. He was an inconspicuous genius and the most ordinary, extraordinary person I have ever known. I have been missing him for a long time and will always remember his wise counsel.” Spratt was well respected by members of both sides of the aisle in Congress. “Above all else, John Spratt was an incredibly smart and decent man. He dedicated his life to serving the people of South Carolina,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Seneca, said Monday. “While we were on opposite sides of the aisle, I appreciated how John was always trying to find common ground for the greater good. In my view, his disposition and approach to the job represented the best of public service. “John was a good friend and he will be missed. May he rest in peace.” Spratt is survived by wife, Jane Stacy Spratt; daughters Susan Elizabeth Spratt (David Tendler), Sarah Stacy Spratt (Brian Brennan), and Catherine Bratton Spratt, among other family members. No funeral arrangements have been announced. Mandy Powers Norell, Trav Robertson and Jaime Harrison were among many involved in Palmetto State state politics who shared memorials about Spratt. “Congressman John Spratt was my friend, mentor, and one of the greatest statesmen in Congress — and his passing breaks my heart. He was respected by Democrats and Republicans alike in our beloved home state of South Carolina as well as on Capitol Hill,” Harrison said. “Congressman Spratt was a miracle worker. As chairman of the House Budget Committee, he would find common ground to get things done for the people — often engaging in shuttle diplomacy to garner the support of a range of groups, from Blue Dogs to Progressives. I often teased that Mr. Spratt had probably forgotten more about the federal budget than the majority of members had ever known. “Congressman Spratt was brilliant, kind, and beloved by many. I will miss him, but his work and his legacy will live on with all of us.”

Congressman John M Spratt was one of the most intelligent and principled humans I have ever known & it was my honor to have worked for him. He saved many lives and fought for people’s rights. Hard to write through tears. Take your rest & flights of Angels greet you as you sleep. pic.twitter.com/fGOLL9UkY3 — Trav Robertson (@TravRobertson) December 15, 2024

Serving in Congress with John Spratt was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. He was a friend and confidant, a colleague and counselor, and a mentor and partner. His love of country and respect for humanity were always on display. He was an inconspicuous genius and… — James E. Clyburn (@RepJamesClyburn) December 15, 2024

Others who knew Spratt in the Rock Hill community also offered their thoughts on his death. Former York Mayor Eddie Lee, a Winthrop University professor, friend and neighbor of Spratt for decades became a political ally since Spratt first won a seat in Congress in 1982. Lee knew Spratt so well he wrote the entry on Spratt for South Carolina’s state encyclopedia. Lee and his family saw Spratt often through the end of Spratt’s life, up through this week. “In an era where there are politicians, John Spratt was a statesman,” Lee said Sunday. “He was a champion of the citizenry. He cared about his community and county and state and country.” Spratt served in Congress until Republican Mick Mulvaney defeated him in 2010. The political loss could be tied to Spratt role as a main supporter of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, South Carolina Public Radio reported. Spratt chose to “come home to York” after his political defeat in that 2010 Tea party movement year, rather than take a political job with the Obama administration, Lee said. “John Spratt came home,” Lee said. “He wanted to be a part of York even after his political career ended.” Lee continued that Spratt was a great champion for both the city of York and York County, including leading the charge in 2015-2016 to keep the historic York County Courthouse in downtown York. Spratt, a lifelong Democrat, at times faced Republican opposition politically, but those in the GOP never doubted Spratt’s commitment to York County and South Carolina. S.C. Rep. Tommy Pope, R-York, said Spratt’s legacy will remain forever in York County where he lived. “No matter how far he rose in politics, John never forgot where he was from,” Pope said. “He was a fixture in York and always supported our community. He will be missed — but never forgotten.” Spratt was a powerful figure in the movement for equality and fairness for all people regardless of race or status in South Carolina and the nation, those who knew him said. Nikita Jackson, the first Black chair of the York County Democratic Party, said Spratt served with honor and integrity. Spratt was chair of the U.S. House Budget Committee and was a leader who championed complex fiscal accountability, Jackson said. “Congressman Spratt’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of South Carolinians and his deep commitment to public service made him a respected leader not only in the Palmetto State but also across the nation,” Jackson said. “Beyond his accomplishments in Washington, Congressman Spratt will be remembered for his humility, his genuine care for the people he served, and his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our communities.” Jackson said Spratt cared deeply about South Carolina and its people — including rural communities having opportunities in education, development and economic prosperity. That work for all people regardless of economic station continues to impact the lives of people, Jackson said. “Congressman Spratt’s memory will live on as an example of principled leadership and devotion to service,” Jackson said. Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys, who has known Spratt all his life, said Spratt never wavered from his most important role as a congressman — to be a voice for all people. “The House of Representatives was designed to be the one branch of government closest to the people,” Gettys said. “John Spratt recognized his first duty was to the people and worked harder than anyone to make sure his people had a well prepared, forward thinking leader who knew the opportunity to increase wealth is the most important opportunity for all.” Former S.C. Rep. Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, who served in the S.C. General Assembly for 30 years, said Spratt worked with Republicans in both the state legislature and congress to get results that would benefit all people regardless of political views. “Congressman Spratt was a man of great character, integrity and intellect,” Simrill said. “He will be remembered for his keen ability to work across the aisle to achieve success for his beloved community, state, and nation.” “John Spratt was the epitome of a model statesman and a true Southern gentleman,” said another Republican, Christi Cox, the chair of the York County Council. “A man of exceptional character and steadfast integrity, he devoted his life to serving the people of South Carolina with passion and purpose. His tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others will forever stand as a testament to his enduring legacy of public service. On behalf of York County, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this time of loss. May his memory continue to inspire us all to serve with the same honor and dedication that he so fully embodied.”