The tributes were wide-ranging as South Carolina’s military and legal communities lamented the early departure of  Midlands attorney Stanley Myers, who made an impact statewide and in his hometown of Swansea

Myers died unexpectedly the morning of Sept. 27 at age 47. Officials said he collapsed while walking his dog. The death was attributed to natural causes. 

Jake Moore, his law partner at the Moore Bradly Myers law firm, described Myers as a very special person, so close to him he was like family.

Moore knew Myers when he was still a college student and helped guide him through law school before bringing him into his law firm.

“One of the best attorneys I have ever known,” Moore said of Myers, adding there was no end to what he accomplished.

“He was a combat veteran. He was a Lieutenant- Colonel. He was on the board of directors of the Lexington Medical Center. He was a quarterback at The Citadel. He had a lovely wife and wonderful children.”

Swansea Town Council Member Michael Luongo said Myers was a staple in the small town of less than 800 people, where he had strong ties.

 He and his family were always involved in town events, Luongo told the Chronicle 

“He contributed to the community,” the council member said. “He gave back.”

 Luongo said he has met with Myers and other family members and will remember him as “a great man with a great family.”

“All of the accolades we’ve heard are well deserved,” he added.

Moore said Myers will be remembered for “giving away bicycles” as part of the Bike Bonanza program he founded in Swansea. He also organized a mentoring program for young people.

Every Christmas, he proudly hosted that Bike Bonanza, providing free bikes to children in and around Swansea. Myers was also known for his Swansea restaurant, Countryside BBQ, which he purchased in 2022. 

Myers — who grew up in Swansea, graduating from Swansea High School before going on to The Citadel and law school — told the Chronicle at the Bike Bonanza event at his restaurant last December that he wanted to give back to the community that raised him.

“I just want to give back to the community,” Myers said. “I grew up here and [Swansea’s] slightly impoverished. If you see an opportunity to give back, then do it. [Swansea’s] been supportive of me.”

At the event, Myers came together with six other Lexington County businesses to give away 31 bikes in addition to other toys and cash prizes. 

“I want to make sure your Christmas is a good one,” the attorney told the eager kids in attendance.

Citadel President Glenn Walters issued a moving letter to the “Citadel Family” describing Myers as a “humble” man who was known for his leadership, insight and commitment to his college.

Myers was an accomplished quarterback for the Citadel football team, starting 43 out of his 44 games. He is the only player in Citadel history to ever throw  for 3,000-plus yards and to rush for 2,000-plus yards.

He graduated from the S.C. Corps of Cadets with a degree in Political Science in 1998.  In 2014, he was named to the Board of Visitors and was then re-elected in 2020.

“Stanley was always humble and represented his alma mater and community with the utmost respect and pride. He was a great man and a steadfast servant leader,” Walters wrote.

In 2003, Myers received his J.D. from the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law in Washington, D.C

In his military career, Myers deployed as a captain with the 218th Infantry Brigade to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He later served as the staff judge advocate for the 59th Troop Command at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

He was the first-ever African-American to become a National Guard military judge in South Carolina. As a military judge, he served in many roles, including presiding over trials, interpreting military law, and assessing the presentation of evidence. 

As an attorney, Myers was selected as a 2023 Leadership in Law Honoree by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson was a long-time friend to Myers.

“I’m heartbroken,” Wilson said in a public statement. “We served together in the National Guard and legal community for over 20 years. We lost a good one far too early.”