H 5764

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5764
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
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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This web page was last updated on August 11, 2026 at 03:15 PM