09/22/2026
.... and it was a great and fun 2025 SOTC picnic last year with the SOTC Board of Governors and all Sonoco friends!
This year, 2026, SOTC will once again join with all Sonoco employees/retirees and their families for a 2026 Celebration event at the Darlington Raceway on Sat., Sept. 19, 2026, with lots of food, fun and games. And, to top the day off, SOTC will be celebrating their "96 Year Anniversary."
(A quick history lesson) -- In researching SOTC club history, we find that the Sonoco Old Timers Club was established in the early 1930's by the late President James L. Coker and a group of employees with 25 or more years of service to Sonoco. Among these employees was the late Aaron "Shy" Tyner, one of the original 12 Sonoco employees.
Members of management recognized then, as they do now, the value of long-term employees and the important role they play in the success of Sonoco. Loyalty, commitment, a dedicated work ethic, and a concern for the welfare of fellow employees is the foundation upon which the Sonoco Old Timers Club was built.
In June of 1956, President Coker saw the need to make the Club a more active organization. Thus the Club was organized, a set of bylaws were written, and a 20-member Board of Governors elected. Aaron "Shy"Tyner was elected the first President of the Sonoco Old Timers Club. After Shy's tenure as President, he was awarded "President Emeritus" for his outstanding service to the Club. His grandson, Russ Tyner, continues the family legacy as he has also served as President of the club and is currently still serving as a Board Member of SOTC. In May of 2006, Russ was awarded the prestigious "President Emeritus" award for his outstanding service and guidance to the club through the years.... a well deserved title!
In 2009, an official logo for the Club was created and now SOTC is used to designate the Club and its values of Loyalty, dedication and commitment. We are proud to be a member of SOTC! We look forward to seeing all our SOTC members, employees and their families at the Sept. 19, 2026 Picnic at the Darlington Raceway.
