TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE THOMAS BRUCE SMITH II OF LEE COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were saddened to learn of the death of the Honorable Thomas Bruce Smith II at the age of seventy-six on March 9, 2015; and

Whereas, born September 14, 1938, he was the son of Mary Huggins Smith and the late Thomas Bruce Smith, Sr.; and

Whereas, deeply committed to the welfare of his community and to the Palmetto State, Bruce Smith served with distinction as the mayor of Bishopville from 1979 to 1980 and as a member of the South Carolina Senate from 1981 to 1982; and

Whereas, an entrepreneur, Mr. Smith started BOSMITH Furniture of Bishopville in 1960, and continued to work in the business with his son, Fritz, up until his death; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Dorothy Tedder Smith, he reared four fine children: Kimberly Smith Vogt, Fostina D'laine Smith, Foster Fritzgerald "Fitz" Smith, and the late Thomas "Thres" Bruce Smith III. They also were blessed with nine adoring grandchildren: Amanda Leonard, Mary Littleton, John Vogt, Juli Barnes, Peggy Ham, Drew Smith, Chase Smith, Ty Smith, and Jet Smith. He was the proud great-grandfather of five great-grandchildren: Wesley Littleton, Cameron Littleton, Owen Littleton, Sara Beth Leonard, and Emma Kate Leonard; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are grateful for the life and legacy of former Senator Bruce Smith and for the example of dedication and sacrifice he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Thomas Bruce Smith II of Lee 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 provided to the family of the Honorable Thomas Bruce Smith II.