A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF George Hearn "Smokey" Davis of Lexington COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Smokey Davis at the age of seventy-nine on January 24, 2024; and

Whereas, born in Birmingham, Alabama on July 26, 1944, he was the son of Albert Lester and Virginia Davis and graduated from Shades Valley High School in 1962. He earned a bachelor's degree from Auburn University in 1966, where he was a freshman senator and member of the SAE fraternity; and

Whereas, after graduation, Mr. Davis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and while stationed at Quantico, Virginia, he earned a master's degree from George Washington University; and

Whereas, for his wife of forty-two years whom he had met at Auburn, the late Alecia Philpott Davis, he became a devoted caregiver to her during her long journey with cancer.  Together they had reared two fine children, Carrie Cousar and Diane Thomas who blessed him with the affection of seven loving  grandchildren: Davis, Anne Douglas, Caroline, Ella Cate, Hannah, Will, and Sam; and

Whereas,  upon leaving the military, Mr. Davis worked for Junior Achievement in Langdale, Alabama, and was transferred to Columbia.  He later enjoyed professional success at C&S Bank, Capital Lighting, and Salomon Smith Barney.  When the family moved to Lexington in 1973, he participated in the Jaycees, Toastmasters, and as president of the Rotary Club of Lexington from 1992 to 1993.  He was also active in the Arts Association Follies' performances and was awarded Best Actor in 1983; and

Whereas, he served on the Lexington District 1 School Board from 1978 to 1982 and as the commissioner of Midlands Technical College from 1992 to 1997.  He served on the Lexington County Council from 1997 to 2013, during which he served as vice-chair and chairman; and

Whereas, in 2013, Mr. Davis married his beloved wife, Donna Lang, and added her family to his: her children Nelson and Jessica Lang, her grandchildren Walker and Kyleigh, her step-daughter Angela, her grandchildren Peyton, Harrison, and LauraLeigh, and her great-grandson Cooper; and

Whereas, dedicated to his community, he served as president of Lexington County Development Corporation from 2010 to 2021; the Central Midlands Council of Governments from 2013 to 2023; the Midlands Workforce Development Corporation, 2013 to 2019; the Central Midlands Development Corporation, 2014  to 2022; and the Lexington Medical Center Board, 2016 to 2017.  He served on the board of Harbour Town Yacht Club starting in 2020 and enjoyed extended time on Hilton Head; and

Whereas, Mr. Davis's faith directed his whole life as he led various Bible studies and small groups at his church, served as a Stephen Minister at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, was active at Northside Baptist Church, and more recently, served as a regular substitute teacher at Northside Christian Academy; and

Whereas, his hands were always busy with projects and crafts, creating needlepoint, hooked rugs, macramé, or models.  Sincerely solicitous of others, he always had a kind word and friendly greeting for neighbors and friends he met while enjoying walks around Lake Murray with his dog, Gracie; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is grateful for the life and legacy of Smokey Davis and for the example of service and devotion he set for all who knew him.  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 George Hearn "Smokey" Davis of Lexington 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 George Hearn "Smokey" Davis.

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