South Carolina Hall of Fame inducts 3 prominent figures in Myrtle Beach ceremony

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — A ceremony was held Monday at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to honor the lives of three South Carolinians and to welcome them into the South Carolina Hall of Fame.

Smokin’ Joe Frazier, Rudy Mancke and Francis Salvador are now recognized among more than 100 other inductees in the South Carolina Hall of Fame.

Since 2001, the South Carolina Hall of Fame has recognized distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service and leaving their mark on the Palmetto State.

Frazier, who died in 2011, is already a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame and the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Frazier was born in Beaufort and was a legendary professional boxer. He was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 1970, best known for his fierce rivalry with Muhammad Ali.

His son, Joe Frazier Jr., accepted the award on his behalf.

“My father was humble and hungry,” Frazier said. “Most importantly, Smokin’ Joe was hooked on greatness.”

Rudy Mancke, a naturalist born in Spartanburg, was known for hosting nature-focused programs on South Carolina Educational Television from 1978-2002.

Before his death in November, Mancke was told he was going to be one of the new inductees.

His wife, Ellen Mancke, accepted the award on his behalf and said her husband felt “very honored and appreciative.”

Francis Salvador was born in 1747. He was a notable figure in American history as the first person of Jewish faith to be elected to public office in the American colonies.

“Francis’ arrival in Charleston marked more than an economic restart,” said Judge Alan D. Clemmons. “It marked the final chapter if his short life dedicated to the principles of liberty and independance.”

Students from many schools in Horry County were at the ceremony and shared how much they enjoyed learning about the inductees.

Graceyn Moreland, an eighth-grader at Ten Oaks Middle School, said it’s “good to see diversity” and that it’s important for students to learn about “their own history.”

Former Myrtle Beach mayor and Hall of Fame board member Robert Hirsch was in attendance.

“A lot of great people were inducted into the Hall of Fame,” he said. “It has been a great experience to be associated with all of the people during that time.”

The South Carolina Hall of Fame is free and open to the public seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Randal Wallace, the chairman of the board of trustees for the Hall of Fame, urges people of all ages, but especially youth to visit the hall of fame.

“I hope it can inspire people to be involved in public service,” Wallace said.

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Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May. Follow Gracie on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, & read more of her work here.

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