WINNSBORO - Quay Williford McMaster, 83, died Tuesday, October 19, 2010. He was a loving husband and grandfather, legendary public servant, prominent businessman, and tireless contributor to the economic advancement of his hometown. Born on October 31, 1926, in Winnsboro, South Carolina, Mr. McMaster was the son of the late Spencer Rice McMaster, Sr. and Mary Frances Williford McMaster. He was married to Lucy Lewis McMaster for 47 years. He graduated from Mt. Zion Institute in 1944 where he was student body president, and a varsity football player and boxer. He attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from Duke University in 1948 with a B.A. Degree in business administration. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Mr. McMaster enjoyed a long and successful career in Winnsboro in multiple industries. He joined his father in the family""'s retail and manufacturing operations. As an executive of McMaster Enterprises, he oversaw a diversified business group that included plywood and veneer manufacturing, petroleum wholesale and retail operations, automotive parts distribution and services, tractor and industrial equipment retailing and servicing, lodging and hospitality operations, as well as timber and cattle farming. He served as President of Winnsboro Plywood Company and Winnsboro Veneer Company for 55 years.

One of Winnsboro""'s greatest champions, Mr. McMaster served as its mayor for 30 years. He holds the distinction of being the longest serving mayor in the town""'s history and one of the longest serving mayors in South Carolina. The town flourished under Mr. McMaster""'s direction, with the recruitment of many major industries. He was instrumental in the growth and improvement of the town""'s infrastructure, including innovative management programs for the town""'s water and power utilities, and the visionary expansion of its water service into neighboring Richland County. As a charter board member, he played a critical role in the establishment of the South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro. He will long be remembered for his fiscal responsibility, common sense and flexible approach to innovation, endearing command of public gatherings, and constant use of humor and clever wit.

In 2005, Mr. McMaster was awarded the Order of Palmetto, South Carolina""'s highest honor for civilian public service. He also received the 2010 Central Midlands Regional Leadership Award.

Among his many contributions to the economic development of South Carolina were multiple terms of service as Chairman of the Central Midlands Regional Planning Council (now the Council of Governments) where he chaired multiple committees during his 30 years of service. He served as Chairman of the Board, President and Vice-president of Community Federal Savings Bank. He was a Director of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Winnsboro Association. He also served as Director of the South Carolina Forestry Association and President of the Fairfield Forestry Association.

Mr. McMaster was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Winnsboro, serving as chairman of multiple committees. He was a charter member and past President of the Winnsboro Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a charter member and past President of the Fairfield Country Club, a founder and charter member of the Winnsboro Cotillion Club, and a member of the Saint Andrews Society of Columbia, the Mount Zion Society, and the Summit Club.

In addition to his wife, Lucy, he is survived by his three grandchildren, Laura Ann Thomas and James Quay Thomas, both of Winnsboro, and Dawn (John) Thomas Broadway of Bishopville; by a great granddaughter, Amanda Broadway of Bishopville; by nieces, Mary Frances Curlee of Prosperity, Sally McMaster Nash of Columbia and Esther McMaster Andrew of Atlanta and nephew, William Spencer McMaster of Columbia He was predeceased by his sister, Jeanne McMaster Haigh, his brothers, Fitz-John Creighton McMaster and Spencer R. McMaster, Jr., and step-sons, Richard Henry Thomas and James Myer Thomas.
Graveside services will be conducted on Friday, October 22, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Cemetery, Washington Street, Winnsboro, SC, with the Reverend Bundy Bynum and the Reverend Bart Sistare officiating. The family will receive friends at Pope Funeral Home, 521 South Congress Street in Winnsboro, on Thursday evening, October 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert A. Desportes Sr., David G Ellison, Pete G. Gustafson, Stanley S. Klaus, A. Harper Shull, James Francis Wilkes Sr. and Timothy C. Wilkes.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 109 West College Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180, and to Boys Farm, Inc., 6655 SC Hwy 34/121, Post Office Box 713, Newberry, SC 29108. Pope Funeral Home is assisting the McMaster family.

SOURCE: TheState.com