South Carolina General Assembly
124th Session, 2021-2022

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Bill 1075


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A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

TO REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF FORMER FLORENCE COUNTY CHIEF DEPUTY JOHNNIE ABRAHAM, SR., AND TO HONOR HIS DEVOTION TO PUBLIC SAFETY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND FLORENCE COUNTY IN A CAREER SPANNING NEARLY FOUR DECADES.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly finds it entirely appropriate to recognize individuals who have contributed exceptional service to the people of this great State. One of those servant-hearted individuals is former Florence County Chief Deputy Johnnie Abraham, Sr., who with integrity, faithfulness, and high skill served Florence County in promoting and ensuring public safety for nearly forty years; and

Whereas, Johnnie Abraham, Sr., entered this world on March 31, 1954, and graduated from Southside High School in 1974. After earning his Bachelor of Science in business from Gaffney's Limestone College, he embarked on a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, beginning with the Florence County Sheriff's Office. Later, he took up his duties with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, where he worked his way through the ranks to captain and supervised the Pee Dee region; and

Whereas, during his long career, Johnnie Abraham, Sr., was an integral part of the law enforcement system, representing the citizens of Florence County with distinction and honor and always seeking a peaceful resolution to every situation he encountered; and

Whereas, over the years, he served in many different roles, including as deputy sheriff in the Patrol Division, lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division, a significant part of the sheriff's SWAT team, lieutenant with the Arson Unit, and captain with SLED. Just prior to his untimely death in December 2020, he was named chief deputy for newly elected Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye; and

Whereas, affectionately known to his family and friends across the State as "Abe," Johnnie Abraham consistently provided the citizens of Florence County the highest level of service and professionalism possible, even under extreme circumstances; and

Whereas, in recognition of his spirit of excellence and his contributions toward enhancing the law enforcement profession throughout South Carolina, Abe was granted various honors, among them Deputy of the Year and Investigator of the Year as well as being posthumously inducted into the South Carolina Criminal Justice Hall of Fame; and

Whereas, in all his labors, Abe found strong support in his beloved wife, Vinetha Abraham, and his son, Johnnie Abraham, Jr. A man of faith, he also drew strength from serving the Lord as a dedicated lifelong member of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly appreciates the life and legacy of former Chief Deputy Johnnie Abraham, Sr., and with one voice the members salute this outstanding law enforcement officer for the example of commitment, leadership, and service he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, remember and celebrate the life of former Florence County Chief Deputy Johnnie Abraham, Sr., and honor his devotion to public safety, law enforcement, and Florence County in a career spanning nearly four decades.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Vinetha Abraham for the family.

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