Clarendon County Administrator Lynden Anthony announced his retirement Monday night following an executive session at the June 9 Clarendon County Council meeting.
Council reconvened in open session, and after no action was taken on a fire department personnel matter, Council Chairman Jay Johnson turned the floor over to Anthony for an update on the administrative personnel discussion.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman,” Anthony began. “I feel as though there wasn’t a great deal of ‘we’ involved, but I do want to go ahead and let Council, our employees and, more importantly, our citizens, [be] aware. I did prepare a little statement … if I can take just a moment.”
He continued, “We all look back and we can identify different stages within our lives—youth, school, college, being single, getting married, becoming parents and then grandparents. I've had the blessed opportunity to experience each of these life phases. The time has arrived for me to step as gracefully as I can. For those of you that know me, that is going to be a challenge—into the next chapter of my life, and that is retirement.”
“Please understand this decision is not made lightly,” Anthony added. “It has required much reflection and prayer. While we, the County, have accomplished so much in the 23 plus years that I've been here, there are countless more opportunities and challenges on the horizon.”
“It has truly been an honor serving the citizens of this wonderful County,” he said. “I'd like to thank County Council, both past and present, the many dedicated and professional coworkers over the years and our community as a whole, for their support, guidance and encouragement. Most especially, I would like to thank my family for their love and patience.”
Anthony’s last day with the county will be Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.
A familiar face in county government, Anthony has served as Chief Financial Officer for Clarendon County since 2009. In December 2023, following the resignation of former County Administrator David Epperson, Anthony was appointed interim administrator. Council later voted 3-1 to name him permanent administrator in April 2024.
His tenure has included not only managing the county’s finances but also stepping into key leadership roles during periods of transition. During his interim service, he continued to fulfill his CFO duties while also leading county operations.
Chairman Johnson thanked Anthony at the conclusion of his remarks. “Thank you for your service,” he said, echoed by applause from those in attendance.
This is a developing story. Check next week’s edition of The Manning Times for full coverage of the June 9 County Council meeting.
