Our History and Staff Mr. J.L. Byrd 12/29/1899 to 11/23/1982. Photo taken October 1970 L-R Bobby McLellan, Bob McLellan, Johnny McLellan L-R standing Betty Nix, Hal Parker, seated Melinda Mix, Reba Thompson, Frances Garrett Byrd-McLellan Agency, Inc. has been serving the insurance needs of upstate South Carolina since 1908. Founded as the Hopkins Agency, it was purchased in 1915 by J.W. Byrd who changed the name to the Byrd Agency. Mr. Byrd's son, Joe L. Byrd joined his father in 1924. They truly had a business vision for Oconee County. Together, in 1925, as an addition to the services offered by the Byrd Agency, they formed Seneca Savings & Loan Association. It is known today as Oconee Federal Savings and Loan. The S&L and the Agency operated and grew together until January of 1955 when Joe hired Robert N. McLellan. Bob was then the "Special Agent" in South Carolina with the United States Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company. It was his expertise the Agency needed. Our name changed again to Byrd-McLellan Agency, Inc. and we operate as such today. Federal banking laws soon changed and the organization split. Joe moved on to be the CEO of Seneca Savings and Loan. Bob took charge of Byrd-McLellan Agency, Inc. Robert N. McLellan, Jr. joined the Agency after graduating from Clemson University in 1977. Bobby's adddition gave Bob the opportunity to pursue a very successful political career. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1976 and served until 1990. He was Chairman of the Ways and Means Committe from 1985 through 1990. Additionally, he served as the Executive Director of the Department of Highways and Public Transporation in South Carolina from 1990 until 1992. He "officially" retired from the Agency in 1993, but remains a valuable resource today. Bobby is active in civic and industry issues, having served as President of the Independent Insurance Agency of South Carolina from 1993 until 1995. He is President of the Agency today. John B. McLellan joined the Agency in 1983 after graduating from the University of South Carolina. Johnny has been very active in civic affairs, serving as President of the Seneca Rotary Club. He is active in the Seneca Presbyterian Church currently serving as an Elder. Johnny is the Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Agency today. The true satisfaction of our customers and success of Byrd-McLellan Agency lies in the hard work and professionalism of our staff. Frances Garrett joined the Agency in 1978. She specializes in personal insurance customer service and office administration. Betty Nix has more than forty years with the Agency. She earned her CPIW designation(Certified Professial Insurance Woman) and is very active in the Insurance Women of the Piedmont, serving as President this year. She is also active in the Cherry Hill Church of God. Betty sells and services all lines of insurance including bonds and health insurance. Hal Parker , a 1975 graduate of the University of South Carolina has a strong backgound in sales and marketing. He has over eight years experience in insurance. He is on the Board of Directors at Welcome Wesleyan Church and active in the Walhalla Recreation Department. Hal sells and services all lines of insurance for business and personal needs. Reba Thompson has twenty-seven years experience in the insurance business. She not only spcializes in the sales and service of all lines of insurance for the Agency, but has a strong interest in gospel music. She is an active member of the Ebeneezer Baptist Church. Melinda Mix is helping us this summer working as receptionist and customer service. She is a full time police officer with the City of Seneca. She holds the rank of Sergeant and is the School Resource Officer at Seneca Middle School. She also has a background in insurance. We work for you! Contact any one of us to assist you with your insurance needs.