South Carolina H 4434: sympathy resolution Louis Weldon Hammond

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4434 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 30, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4434

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 SOUTH CAROLINA House of Representatives 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 House of Representatives 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 House of Representatives:

That the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives, 
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 30, 2025 at 11:37 AM