A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE the Smith Funeral Home of Florence ON the OCCASION OF ITS RECENT seventy-fifth anniversary AND TO WISH THIS FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THE DAYS TO COME.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the Smith Funeral Home of Florence recently celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary; and

 

Whereas, J.O. Smith, a native of Bennettsville, founder of the Smith Funeral Home, and a licensed funeral director and embalmer, began his business in Florence in October 1950. He came to Florence after receiving encouragement from some of that worthy city's leading citizens, who stated that a first-class business offering funeral services was needed. Mr. Smith was assisted by his wife, Annette McCollum Smith, who served as a secretary-receptionist for the firm and who was a licensed funeral director; and

 

Whereas, in 2025, the business marked seventy-five years of service to the citizens of Florence and surrounding areas. It has prospered for two reasons: services and equipment. For example, the Smith Funeral Home was the first to have limousines for the families they served in the area, along with the spacious chapel of convenience for the use of these families. The firm remains a family-owned and family-operated enterprise; and

 

Whereas, the firm's building was completely renovated in 1964. It now stands as a memorial to the many families the business has been privileged to serve over the years; and

 

Whereas, in time, the second generation, James Lawrence Smith and his wife, Felicia R. Smith-Charles, took over operation of the business. Today, Felicia R. Smith-Charles serves as president and owner, and her son, J. Lawrence Smith II of the third generation, serves as vice president; and

 

Whereas, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in recognizing this respected and established business and in honoring the fine service it has provided for three-quarters of a century. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Smith Funeral Home of Florence on the occasion of its recent seventy-fifth anniversary and wish this family-owned business much continued success in the days to come.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Felicia R. Smith-Charles and J. Lawrence Smith II for the firm.

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