Laurens County Museum Longtime Leader and Volunteer Passes

The Laurens County Museum is on the brink of greatness with the grand opening of the Tony Harper Exhibit Hall in the newly acquired and renovated Witherspoon Building on the square in downtown Laurens.

The grand opening will be a day of celebration and pride for the Laurens County Museum Association Board and volunteers who have worked hard for many years to get the museum to this day.  Sadly, Phil Adair (Phillip Samuel Adair), one of the museum’s most loyal and hardworking volunteers will not be present.  Mr. Adair passed away on December 19, 2021 after a period of declining health.

But Phil Adair will not be forgotten. His efforts to support the work of the museum, his smile and pleasant greeting to all who entered the door will live on for some time to come.

During his retirement, Adair served on the board of the Laurens County Museum in various positions including serving at least one term as President of the organization.  The museum was a perfect fit for Adair who was a history buff and also a reenactor with several groups in historical events, including the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.

As new volunteers and board members joined the group there were always questions and the most common response was “you need to ask Phil.”  Adair was always there and willing to do whatever he could.

In the most recent months, Adair served as facilities manager for the new Witherspoon building location and managed repairs and refurbishment of the building.  He was known for handling difficult tasks with style and grace and always bringing his smile and sense of humor to any situation.

An invaluable resource and volunteer for the Laurens County Museum, Phil Adair was also much more. He will long be remembered by family and friends for so many accomplishments.  To read his obituary and more about his accomplished life click here.

Rest in peace, Phil Adair. Well done good and faithful servant, well done.