News Summary
The South Carolina legislature has dedicated the Mount Holly Road bridge over Taylor Creek as the Jack Armour Memorial Bridge. This tribute honors Jack Armour’s legacy, highlighting his deep community ties and significant contributions to Rock Hill. Known for his dedication to family, faith, and local business, Armour’s character continues to inspire residents. The bridge serves not only as a transportation route but also as a lasting symbol of his impactful life and commitment to the community.
Rock Hill, South Carolina — The South Carolina legislature has officially recognized the legacy of local hero Jack Armour by naming the Mount Holly Road bridge over Taylor Creek as the Jack Armour Memorial Bridge. This decision was made in the spring of 2025 and is a tribute to Armour’s deep-rooted connections to the community and his impactful life in Rock Hill.
Jack Armour, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 79, dedicated more than 40 years of his life to working at Rock Hill Printing & Finishing, a prominent textile operation in the area. His wife, Wilma, shared his commitment to the local workforce, having also worked at the same mill for 45 years. Armour became a staple in the community, known for his approachable nature and warm-hearted demeanor; his granddaughter, Lisa Pope, described him as “complete salt of the earth.” His character was symbolized by the unique belt buckle he wore, inscribed with the phrase “Take Time for Jesus.”
Beyond his professional life, Armour was actively involved in his spiritual community. He achieved perfect attendance in Sunday School for an impressive 56 years at Mount Holly United Methodist Church. His devotion to family and faith was further exemplified when, in the early 1990s, he chose to care for his wife Wilma at home after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Armour’s commitment extended to the local infrastructure as well. During the construction of the bridge near his home, he became a familiar face to the construction crew, visiting them nearly every day. At the completion of the bridge, Armour was honored by being invited to be the very first person to drive over it, marking a significant personal milestone in his life.
The push to name the bridge after Armour was inspired by Jason Pope, Lisa’s husband. After hearing numerous stories about Jack Armour’s life and contributions, he felt a strong urge to advocate for a memorial that would forever link Armour’s legacy to the community. Jason Pope also has connections in the government, as he is related to Tommy Pope, Speaker Pro Tempore of the South Carolina House. Together, they formulated the bill to name the bridge after Armour, which was subsequently passed by both the House and Senate in early 2025.
Lisa Pope received the announcement of the bridge’s naming as a surprise on her birthday, June 1, 2025, adding a personal touch to the significance of this honor. This small bridge, which sees over 13,000 vehicles cross it daily, symbolizes not just a route for transportation, but also serves as a lasting reminder of Jack Armour’s character and dedication to his family and community.
This tribute highlights the impact of local heroes on their communities and is a testament to Jack Armour’s enduring legacy, ensuring that future generations will be reminded of his contributions and the love he shared with those around him.
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HERE Resources
Jack Armour Memorial Bridge Dedicated in Rock Hill
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Jack Armour
- Legacy: Adam Cox Obituary
- Google Search: Jack Armour Rock Hill
- Herald Online: News Column
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill South Carolina
