Mr. Daniel Lee Cromer

Daniel Lee Cromer was born on August 19, 1958, in Greenville, South Carolina, one of four children born to Kinard and Jean Key Cromer. He transitioned to eternal rest on September 5, 2023, after a brief illness. He was a proud graduate of Carolina High School and of the University of South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1980. He furthered his studies in public administration and social work at his beloved alma mater.

In 1981, Danny started what would become a lifetime career in public service beginning in the office of two governors of South Carolina, Governor Richard Wilson Riley, a Democrat, and Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr., a Republican. In those offices, Danny coordinated federal grant applications and intergovernmental review for all federal programs across the state of South Carolina.

Following the election of Congressman James E. Clyburn in 1992, Danny moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the Congressman’s staff when he took office in January 1993. As legislative director and appropriations associate, he served Congressman Clyburn and the people of the Sixth Congressional District of South Carolina for the next 18 years.

Danny quickly carved out a niche on Capitol Hill as an expert in federal spending and the appropriations process. He viewed his role as a champion of poor communities in South Carolina and was dedicated to finding ways to channel federal investment to them. While a passionate Democrat, he was often called on by members of Congress and staff from both sides of the aisle to find solutions to thorny appropriations and legislative issues. Building on that experience, he served on the staff of the House Appropriations Committee before retiring in 2013.

In addition to his expertise, Danny was an iconic character on Capitol Hill.  Never shy with his opinions, his unique sense of humor and distinctive Southern drawl, he made an indelible impression on all who met him, from visitors to the office to colleagues. He was passionate about mentoring interns and young staffers, always taking time to teach and impart lessons from his experiences.

Danny played an integral role in a long litany of Congressman Clyburn’s legislative accomplishments including the Matthew J. Perry, Jr. Courthouse, the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Preservation Program.  For Danny, his proudest legislative achievement was his work creating the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Having worked for years on the legislation which passed in 2006, Danny was appointed by the Secretary of Interior to the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission where he served for 14 years.

Danny was a devoted, longtime parishioner of St. Monica and St. James Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill, often inviting his friends and colleagues to join him for worship. His love for the church knew no bounds and he was particularly proud of his service on the vestry.  He relished the high mass, organ music, and rituals of the Episcopal Church. After relocating to Columbia, he joined St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. 

He cared deeply for those less fortunate. Early in his career, Danny served as guardian ad litem, representing children in the South Carolina court system. He loved his family, his dogs, Bennie and Duke, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Danny held strong convictions and was fond of quoting a Mormon hymn he had grown up with: “Do what is right, let the consequence follow.”  He lived by these words and tried to inspire others to do the same.

Left to cherish his memories are Danny’s extended family, Capitol Hill colleagues, church members, neighbors, and devoted friends.