Committee Report

January 29, 2026

 

H. 4981

 

Introduced by Rep. Hayes

 

S. Printed 1/29/26--H.

Read the first time January 20, 2026

 

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The committee on House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 4981) to request the Department of Transportation name the intersection of United States Highway 301 and Black Branch Road in the Town of Dillon in Dillon County "Joseph, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

 

DENNIS MOSS for Committee.

 

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A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

To request the Department of Transportation name the Intersection of United States Highway 301 and Black Branch Road in the Town of Dillon in Dillon County "Joseph B. 'Benny' Cooper Intersection" and erect appropriate signs or markers at this location containing these words.

 

Whereas, born and raised in Marlboro County, Joseph B. "Benny" Cooper was a son of the late Joseph B. and Grace Carabo Cooper. At the age of seventeen, and while still a high school student, he began working with Bethea Funeral Home in Latta under the guidance of Thad and Oriana Bethea; and

 

Whereas, graduating from Marlboro High School, he attended the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville where he earned an associate of applied science degree in 1965. He successfully passed the national and state board exams to receive his license as a funeral director and embalmer in the State of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, for the past fifty-five years, Mr. Cooper has passionately served the residents of Dillon and its surrounding counties. He founded Cooper Funeral Home in a two-story building at 400 East Main Street in Dillon in 1970. The business would move to its present larger location at 209 Black Branch Road in 1987 to accommodate the growing business and better handle the needs of the families he served. Along with live-streaming services, Cooper gives families of veterans the option to have their loved ones escorted by a military caisson as they do at Arlington National Cemetery; and

 

Whereas, a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Dillon, he serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He is a member and has served in various capacities of the Pee Dee Baptist Association and the Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries. He is a longtime supporter of Camp Pinehill Baptist Retreat, a lay speaker at events and funeral services in Dillon and the surrounding areas, a charter member of the Latta Rescue Squad, and a former member of the Dillon Jaycees. He also has served as interim pastor at a number of area Baptist churches that include Brownville, Calvary, Sardis, and Second Baptist; and

 

Whereas, now an octogenarian, Cooper shows no signs of slowing down. Surrounded by his loving family that includes wife Emma Lou, and children Cliff Arnette, Audrey Jacobs, Karen Lane, Michael Cooper and Deborah Cromartie, he continues to provide the same caring and compassionate service the funeral home was founded upon. Additionally, he also owns and operates Evergreen Perpetual Care Cemetery and Mausoleum, and Pet Cremations; and

 

Whereas, showing steadfast compassion and devotion to all those Benny Cooper Jr. has been called to serve in more than fifty years as a funeral director and embalmer, it is only fitting and proper that this son of the Palmetto State is honored with the intersection where his funeral home is located named in his honor.  Now, therefore,

 

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

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the intersection of United States Highway 301 and Black Branch Road in the Town of Dillon in Dillon County "Joseph B. 'Benny' Cooper Intersection" and erect appropriate signs or markers at this location containing these words.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

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