A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE FOUNDERS AND OWNERS OF IDEAL FUNERAL PARLOR IN FLORENCE COUNTY FOR EIGHTY YEARS OF DEDICATION IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITY AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR SETTING AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL AFRICAN AMERICAN ENTERPRISE IN THE PEE DEE.

 

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives value the exceptional mortuary services of Ideal Funeral Parlor for eight decades in the Florence community; and

 

Whereas, established in 1939, Ideal Funeral Parlor has proudly served the Pee Dee region for over eighty years in order to provide dependable service to the community and to serve families during times of loss; and

 

Whereas, Ideal Funeral Parlor was founded by Reverend W. S. Guiles, Reverend Arthur James, Reverend and Mrs. Willie A. Johnson, Reverend J. L. Brooks, Mr. Flander Singleton, and Mr. Jasper Singleton. These were strong men and women who had vision, identified a need, and took action; and

 

Whereas, Reverend W. A. Johnson was named the manager and remained in that position until his death in 1961. The first building was located at 300 Mullins Street in Florence. Upon the death of Reverend Johnson, Rufus Hawkins was named the manager. During his tenure, the business continued to grow and prosper; and

 

Whereas, in 1968, the physical location was relocated to 1005 E. Cheves Street in Florence. In 1996, R. Douglas Hawkins became the general manager. In 2002, Ideal Funeral Parlor was blessed to move into a state-of-the-art modern facility at 106 E. Darlington Street in Florence; and

 

Whereas, Ideal Funeral Parlor is a proud example of African American business owners coming together and working together to support and inspire others. Ideal Funeral is the anchor business of the Historic African American Business District in the city of Florence. Its legacy and consistency have inspired and helped other small and minority businesses to grow and succeed; and

 

Whereas, Ideal Funeral boasts a history always driven to meet the needs of families and the community in good times and bad times. God has blessed Ideal with over eighty years of service. The owners and staff are grateful to serve and be a part of their community. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the founders and owners of Ideal Funeral Parlor in Florence County for eighty years of dedication in meeting the needs of their community and congratulate them for setting an example of successful African American enterprise in the Pee Dee.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Ideal Funeral Parlor.

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