Legendary Pee Dee judge, former state lawmaker dies at 88
TIMMONSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) — Ralph King Anderson Jr., a former state lawmaker and judge who played a pivotal role in creating South Carolina's modern-day election laws, died Saturday at 88.
Born Nov. 13, 1936, Anderson got a law degree from the University of South Carolina and was a partner at the Yarborough, Parrott and Anderson firm for 20 years, starting in 1959.
The Timmonsville native served in the state House of Representatives from 1972 though 1979 on multiple committees that oversaw election laws, judicial reform and tax policy.
Following his time in the legislature, Anderson was elected as a circuit court judge in August 1979, serving through March 1996.
Between 1996 and 2008, he sat on the state's Court of Appeals and then presided as chief administrative judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit until February 2010.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford in 2008 bestowed Anderson with an Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor.
He was also recognized by the state House in a 2010 resolution recognizing his years of service.
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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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