About Us

Three generations of proud leadership.

From left to right:  Charles Lemmon Shaw, Paul Whitworth "Whit" Shaw II, and Mr. Paul Whitworth "Whit" Shaw

   


The Legend of Shaw Lumber Company

Paul Whitworth Shaw, founder of the company, was born in Alcolu, SC.  He was the son of David Charles and Lula Alderman Shaw.  "Whit" graduated from Sumter High School in 1916, attended Davidson College, and returned to Alcolu to work in the family lumber business with his father and grandfather, David Wells Alderman, the founder of D. W. Alderman and Sons.  Whit's brother, LT Ervin D. Shaw, was a pilot killed in action during World War I.  He is the namesake of Shaw Air Force Base, just west of Sumter.


In 1930, Whit moved to Sumter and founded Shaw Lumber Company, serving as president until 1983.  Charles Lemmon Shaw, Whit's son, worked summers at the lumber yard during his boyhood.  After graduating from Davidson College and serving in the U.S. Army in World War II, he joined the company as vice president and became president upon his father's death.


Paul Whitworth Shaw II also worked at Shaw Lumber Company during his youth.  After his graduating from McCallie School and Wofford College, he joined his father and grandfather in the business in 1975.  He now serves as president.


Whit Shaw II takes pride in this 88-year-old company as part of the Shaw family heritage.  We continue to uphold the company's reputation built on honesty, hard work, outstanding employees, and exemplary customer  service.  In seeking your continued support as we serve Sumter and the surrounding area with all of your building needs, we strive to offer unmatched, personal service and competitive prices.