Pickens attorney set to replace Welmaker

PICKENS — Local attorney Perry H. Gravely was elected last week as judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit.

Gravely, who was elected in a joint session of the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate on Feb. 4, will succeed the Honorable G. Edward Welmaker, who is retiring after a 10-year tenure on the bench.

Gravely will be assigned to different circuits throughout the state, and his duties will include general sessions (criminal) and common pleas (civil).

A 1986 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, Gravely began practicing law in Pickens in 1992 and opened his own practice in 1995. He has also served as municipal judge for Pickens since 2003.

Although Gravely expects to be sworn in sometime in April, the exact date has not been determined.

Gravely called Welmaker’s tenure on the bench “very distinguished and respected.”

“It is a great honor to be elected to this position,” Gravely said. “Judge Welmaker has left some very big shoes to fill.

“I am really looking forward to serving this community and the challenges presented by this position.”