A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF FRANKLIN GREGORY "GOREE" SMITH OF CALHOUN COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was saddened to learn of the death of Franklin Gregory "Goree" Smith just two weeks before his eighty-third birthday on August 1, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born in Orangeburg on August 14, 1943, he was the son of the late Dudley David Smith Sr. and Vergie King Smith. Reared in the Lone Star community of Orangeburg County, he grew up in a loving family with his brother Hamilton A. Smith and siblings who preceded him in death: Dudley David Smith Jr., Celestia Roberts, Annie Laurie Watson, John Edward Smith, and Cleo Hendy; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Smith developed his solid work ethic, love of the outdoors, and deeply rooted values that would define his life. In his youth, he earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, a reflection of the leadership, service, and integrity that marked his character for the rest of his life. He attended Cameron High School, North Greenville University, and the University of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, in 1976, he purchased property in Elloree and founded Elloree Training Center Inc., building more than a nationally respected thoroughbred training facility; he built a community. The farm became a place where young racehorses were developed, lifelong friendships were formed, and countless individuals found encouragement and opportunity under Goree's guidance; and

 

Whereas, in 1963, the Palmetto Jockey Club founded the Elloree Trials, which became a rite of spring over the years. With Mr. Smith's involvement after opening Elloree Training Center, the late March event became a red-letter day on everyone's calendar. His and his staff's tireless efforts made the trials one of South Carolina's annual highlights; and

 

Whereas, his inestimable contributions to the horse-racing industry earned him numerous accolades and awards from the South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association over the years. His presence became constants at the industry's most important horse sales from Florida to upstate New York, and his keen "horse sense" was widely sought after and respected; and

 

Whereas, a devoted Christian, Goree quietly lived his faith through generosity, compassion, and service to others. He faithfully supported local charities with deep involvement in the Elloree community; and

 

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Bari H. Smith, he reared four fine children: Franklin Gregory Smith Jr., Catherine M. Smith, V. Suzanne Davis, and Caroline S. Garrett. His children blessed him with the affection of ten loving grandchildren to whom he was "Pappy": Franklin Gregory Smith III, Riley Alexandra Smith, Ava Elizabeth Cuttino, Bari Langley Cuttino, Emma Grace Cuttino, Jessie Luke Davis Jr., Franklin Chance Davis, Wesley Logan Davis, Harper Elizabeth Garrett, and Adeline Estelle Garrett; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the life and legacy of this definitive Southern gentleman, Goree Smith, and for the example of excellence and devotion he set for them. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Franklin Gregory "Goree" Smith of Calhoun County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Franklin Gregory "Goree" Smith.

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