Park Manager James Revis

Hamilton Branch State Park Manager James Revis has had a busy year! Since we initially approached him about being featured as a Park Service Profile, he has moved from Senior Ranger at Huntington Beach State Park to Park Manager at Little Pee Dee State Park and, as this was going to press, he was promoted to Park Manager at Hamilton Branch State Park. Keep reading to learn more about how he came to call Plum Branch, South Carolina home.

Revis was born in Upstate South Carolina and grew up in the Midlands. He returned to his roots to attend Clemson University, where he went on to graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with a concentration in Park and Conservation Area Management and a minor in History. Revis has certainly put that degree to good use in his five years as a park ranger! He has wanted to be a park ranger for as long as he can remember. Revis says: “As a child, my family would take me to state parks and I remember one year we were staying at Devils Fork for a family reunion and the park ranger told me about different bears and what to do if I saw them. I have been hooked ever since and now I am living the dream.” In his career with the South Carolina State Park Service, Revis has worked at Dreher Island, Devils Fork, Keowee-Toxaway, Kings Mountain, Hamilton Branch, Huntington Beach, Little Pee Dee and now again at Hamilton Branch State Park. These parks have served as home and provided many interesting anecdotes!

                When we asked Revis to tell us about the funniest thing that has happened to him as a park ranger, he said: “One time while doing a night patrol after quiet hours, I was at the end of the campground and my truck’s horn malfunctioned and honked nonstop the whole way home.” Revis feels the most rewarding thing about being a park ranger is investing time now for future generations. He says: “I want to help create memories and build communities. I feel that parks are the bridges that help bind humanity to societies.”

                Revis says he would encourage others to become a park ranger. “I look forward to going into work each morning. Over the years, I have seen some of the most beautiful sights and made friends that will last a lifetime,” he says. Thank you, Ranger James, for all you do!