South Carolina S 580: Louis Weldon Hammond, sympathy

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 580 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 16, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 580

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates 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.

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This web page was last updated on April 16, 2025 at 02:29 PM