Mount Pleasant unveils statue to honor Captain Wayne Magwood at Shem Creek

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) The town of Mount Pleasant honored one of their own by unveiling a memorial statue of Captain Wayne Magwood to honor the long-time shrimper’s enduring legacy.

Capt. Magwood spent long hours on the water and at the docks on Shem Creek. In September 2020, he died after he was hit by a truck while crossing Mill Street at Coleman Boulevard. Thursday, the town unveiled a fisherman’s memorial statue to honor the captain’s life and legacy.

“It’s an honor to be able to continue his legacy and bring that forward by helping the current fleet,” said Tressy Mellichamp, Capt. Magwood’s daughter.

The memorial was made possible through more than 150 donations from the local community and organizations.

“Tressy raised the money all herself we’ve been talking and working. I’ve talked to so many people who knew her daddy and it’s just so interesting to find the stories and how many people knew him and how well known he was, it’s been getting to know him through everyone else,” said Susie Chisholm, who sculpted the statue.

Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie, members of town council, as well as friends and family who knew Magwood attended the memorial ceremony.

“My uncle never met a stranger. He’d help anybody, it’s amazing to see all the people who showed up that he helped,” said Rocky Magwood, president of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association and nephew of Capt. Magwood.

The statue is also to encourage support of the local shrimping industry.

“I’m so proud of us for taking this forward for the next generation, for the future. To be able to have a job in this industry and other children to have a job in this industry and to honor this rich heritage we have here in low country. The maritime community practically founded this community, and we want to remember it,” said Mellichamp.

Capt. Magwood’s daughter says their family slogan is “Eat local, support local fishermen, and live and love longer.”