South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 580
Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A senate RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF LOUIS WELDON HAMMOND OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS. Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened by the passing of Louis Weldon Hammond of Columbia on April 11, 2025, at the venerable age of eighty-six; and Whereas, born on January 5, 1939, in Ridge Spring, Weldon was the son of Thomas Alphonso and Flossie Mae Gomillion Hammond. In God's time, he met and married Loretta Thomas Hammond, his cherished partner of over sixty years, and the couple became the proud parents of two children, Kartika H. Gibson and Louis Weldon Hammond II; and Whereas, Weldon began his education at Aiken Graded School and Martha Schofield High School in Aiken before earning an early entrance to Morehouse College in Atlanta. While at Morehouse, he lettered in baseball, showcasing his athletic talent alongside his academics. He then earned his law degree at South Carolina State University School of Law, further solidifying his commitment to justice and advocacy. Faced with significant limitations for Black students in South Carolina at the time, he made the courageous decision to continue his training at Tennessee State University, where he earned his Red Cross Lifeguard certification and then taught swimming, by which he funded his education. His dedication to teaching reflected his passion for equipping others with essential lifesaving skills and fostering confidence in the water; and Whereas, a distinguished veteran, Weldon dedicated two years of service to his country in the U.S. Army and an additional year in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he ultimately attained the rank of staff sergeant E-6. He was honorably discharged, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and discipline; and Whereas, he also forged an exceptional career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), serving in numerous capacities, including his selection to the prestigious U.S. Veterans Affairs Leadership Academy. Further, he held the roles of adjudication officer and service center manager for the VA Regional Office before retiring after more than thirty-seven years of dedicated public service. One of Weldon's significant achievements was the establishment of the Black History Month program at the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, which created a lasting space to honor and celebrate the contributions, heritage, and achievements of Black Americans; and Whereas, Weldon's impact extended far beyond his professional life. He was a founding member of Blacks United for Action, tirelessly working to increase the number of Black individuals elected to office and ensuring voting access during the segregated era. As a member of the 100 Black Men, he further demonstrated his commitment to mentorship and community development; and Whereas, among his many accolades, Weldon received the Order of the Silver Crescent, the State of South Carolina's most prestigious service award; and Whereas, Weldon's foundation was his faith, which guided his dedicated service to First Calvary Baptist Church for over five decades. He served as a deacon for more than thirty years, as well as trustee, church clerk, and chair of the "Legacy for a New Generation," which funded and erected the existing church edifice. He strengthened the church's spiritual foundation by writing its bylaws and teaching Sunday school, Bible study, and Vacation Bible School. Louis Weldon Hammond walked in the light of the Lord, embracing each day with grace and purpose; and Whereas, Weldon leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Loretta Thomas Hammond; his children, Kartika and Louis II; his three grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the Senate: That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Louis Weldon Hammond of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family. ----XX----
A senate RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF LOUIS WELDON HAMMOND OF COLUMBIA AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened by the passing of Louis Weldon Hammond of Columbia on April 11, 2025, at the venerable age of eighty-six; and
Whereas, born on January 5, 1939, in Ridge Spring, Weldon was the son of Thomas Alphonso and Flossie Mae Gomillion Hammond. In God's time, he met and married Loretta Thomas Hammond, his cherished partner of over sixty years, and the couple became the proud parents of two children, Kartika H. Gibson and Louis Weldon Hammond II; and
Whereas, Weldon began his education at Aiken Graded School and Martha Schofield High School in Aiken before earning an early entrance to Morehouse College in Atlanta. While at Morehouse, he lettered in baseball, showcasing his athletic talent alongside his academics. He then earned his law degree at South Carolina State University School of Law, further solidifying his commitment to justice and advocacy. Faced with significant limitations for Black students in South Carolina at the time, he made the courageous decision to continue his training at Tennessee State University, where he earned his Red Cross Lifeguard certification and then taught swimming, by which he funded his education. His dedication to teaching reflected his passion for equipping others with essential lifesaving skills and fostering confidence in the water; and
Whereas, a distinguished veteran, Weldon dedicated two years of service to his country in the U.S. Army and an additional year in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he ultimately attained the rank of staff sergeant E-6. He was honorably discharged, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and discipline; and
Whereas, he also forged an exceptional career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), serving in numerous capacities, including his selection to the prestigious U.S. Veterans Affairs Leadership Academy. Further, he held the roles of adjudication officer and service center manager for the VA Regional Office before retiring after more than thirty-seven years of dedicated public service. One of Weldon's significant achievements was the establishment of the Black History Month program at the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, which created a lasting space to honor and celebrate the contributions, heritage, and achievements of Black Americans; and
Whereas, Weldon's impact extended far beyond his professional life. He was a founding member of Blacks United for Action, tirelessly working to increase the number of Black individuals elected to office and ensuring voting access during the segregated era. As a member of the 100 Black Men, he further demonstrated his commitment to mentorship and community development; and
Whereas, among his many accolades, Weldon received the Order of the Silver Crescent, the State of South Carolina's most prestigious service award; and
Whereas, Weldon's foundation was his faith, which guided his dedicated service to First Calvary Baptist Church for over five decades. He served as a deacon for more than thirty years, as well as trustee, church clerk, and chair of the "Legacy for a New Generation," which funded and erected the existing church edifice. He strengthened the church's spiritual foundation by writing its bylaws and teaching Sunday school, Bible study, and Vacation Bible School. Louis Weldon Hammond walked in the light of the Lord, embracing each day with grace and purpose; and
Whereas, Weldon leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Loretta Thomas Hammond; his children, Kartika and Louis II; his three grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Louis Weldon Hammond of Columbia and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.
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