Mount Pleasant Magazine Fall 2011

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Billy
SwailsS
Mount Pleasant
Mayor Billy swails
is an honest, hardwork-
ing, generous man who is absolutely
dedicated to his wife, two children
and four grandchildren. However,
according to Peggy, his wife since
1985, his most outstanding attribute
might just be his undying devotion
to the town of Mount Pleasant.
“His heart is in the right place. What
he does for the town, I can’t imagine any-
one loving it more,” said Peggy Swails, a
retired federal probation officer.
A graduate of James Island High
School, Peggy earned a bachelor’s in
sociology and psychology from New-
berry College and a master’s degree in
criminal justice from the University
of South Carolina. In 1969, she was
the first female juvenile parole officer
in South Carolina. She worked for the
federal probation system for 20 years,
the last 13 as officer-in-charge for the
Charleston division. These days, along
with her own community involvement
and precious time with her grandchil-
dren, Peggy is her husband’s biggest fan.
She pointed out that among Billy’s
exceptional qualities is his work ethic.
“He has old-fashioned values that
people now respect again,” she said.
“When I met him, he was working in
the State Farm office with his father
Lloyd, who was the founder of the
business and a wonderful man. He
passed on his values to his son.”
“Billy will go into Town Hall early
and, if necessary, will stay late and even
work seven days a week,” she added.
“He goes over to his State Farm office
at 6 or 6:30 in the morning and on
Saturday and Sunday. He is still active
in his large insurance business, but,
thankfully, he has a wonderful, profes-
sional and competent staff.”
“He is the most generous person,
with his money and his time,” she
added. “No one has sponsored as
many sports teams, and he’s coached
football and baseball. And he is so
giving to charities. If he goes to his
grave penniless, the money will have
been well spent.”
The Swails home is grandchild
friendly, lovingly decorated with
family photos, stuffed animals
and dream bedrooms.
“I Can’t
ImagineAnyone
Loving ItMore”
“He is the most
generous person,
with his money
and his time.”