Lee Danny Shaw

Lee Danny Shaw, 72, husband of Laura Major Brown, died Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at their home in Columbia, South Carolina. Mr. Shaw was born March 2, 1949, in Abbeville, South Carolina to the late Charlie B. and Bertha McMahan Shaw. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Charlie B. Shaw, Jr. He was a member of Kathwood Baptist Church.

A graduate of Calhoun Falls High School and the University of Georgia, Mr. Shaw enjoyed 31 years of service to children through his work in public schools as a classroom teacher, in school administration, and by mentoring and coaching teachers. He was recognized as a National Distinguished Principal and Outstanding Principal in the state of South Carolina and chosen by his peers as a former President of the State Elementary and Middle School Principals professional organization. Mr. Shaw’s schools have been National Schools of Excellence and recognized as award-winning institutions. After retiring from the South Carolina public school system, Mr. Shaw continued to encourage excellence in the classroom throughout the United States by working for DataWORKS Education Research and as a partner in EMC2 Educational Management Consultants. He authored a number of articles for scholarly publications and was admired by all who benefited from his experience and knowledge. His professional motto was “Children are Bundles of Possibilities” and never failed to personify that in his personal life as well.

Mr. Shaw delighted in conversations with people from all walks of life so that he could learn from their diverse interests and ideas. Always ready with an encouraging word, he believed in Christ’s teaching that we should love one another, uplift the downhearted, celebrate each other’s victories, and always nurture the next generation. He advocated these ideals through his lifelong association with the Democratic Party in South Carolina, actively participating in state and local organizations. Mr. Shaw loved people, loved life, and was immensely happy when the two converged, which fueled his enthusiasm for travel, especially to New York, New Orleans, and the SC coast with his family. He was a die-hard Georgia Bulldog fan and, until his health no longer allowed it, attended every home football game and many away games.

In addition to Laura, Mr. Shaw is survived by his stepson and daughter in-law William and Mindy Brown; grandchildren Grady Maddox and Layla Grace Brown; mother-in-law Sarah P. Major; the extended Major family; and dear friends Jo Wilson, Scott Chappell, Chuck Leopold, and Frank Sarratt. His loved ones will deeply miss Mr. Shaw’s witticisms and wisdom.
A private service was held in Abbeville, South Carolina with Mr. Jim Petty and Ms. Elizabeth Mullins officiating. Mr. Shaw’s granddaughter, Layla Grace, sang “Our Only Hope” and the meditation was “O Rest in the Lord” from Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Harris Funeral Home assisted the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Mr. Shaw’s legacy be remembered through contributions to the South Carolina Democratic Party Fowler Center Fund, 1929 Gadsden Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or South Carolina Association for School Administrators Foundation for Educational Leadership, 1 Fernandina Court, Columbia, SC 29212.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Shaw family.