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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF LOUIS O'NEIL DORE OF BEAUFORT COUNTY 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 to learn of the passing of Louis O'Neil Dore of Beaufort County on September 16, 2019, at the age of seventy-four; and
Whereas, born on March 14, 1945, Louis O'Neil Dore was the son of the Reverend Hezekiah Dore, Sr., and Sister Emily Eddings Dore. The fifth of nine children, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was a member of New Hope Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); and
Whereas, Louis was a curious child, exploring everything and often engaging in debates. He learned the importance of education and hard work and developed a strong work ethic that he embraced throughout his life. He was a kind man and a great humanitarian. These qualities blossomed in Louis, enabling him to become an outstanding man and trial attorney; and
Whereas, this Burton native was a proud honor graduate of Robert Smalls High School and Morehouse College. Following his 1967 graduation from the latter, he obtained a teacher's certificate from Georgia State College and a juris doctor from the University of Georgia. He was one of only four black Americans in his law school class. Concurrently, Louis worked as assistant professor of contract law. He was also an educator in the Beaufort County public school system, where he taught French, black history, and U.S. history and government at St. Helena High School; and
Whereas, Louis Dore worked tirelessly as a change agent in the fields of health and economic development in many counties of South Carolina. He worked with Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton Comprehensive Health Services as a legal officer, drafting contracts and deeds, writing grants, obtaining funds, and petitioning for black American doctors to have the right to treat patients in local hospitals; and
Whereas, he became the first black American attorney in the State to become senior partner at a previously non-integrated law firm. In 1989, he established his own firm, Dore Law Firm, and he gained national prominence as an outstanding trial lawyer; and
Whereas, Louis Dore served on the board of directors of Beaufort Memorial Hospital and was one of the founders and a director of Islands Community Bank, chairman of the Beaufort County Democratic Party, a board member/trustee for Benedict College, and chairman of the South Carolina State Board of Education. While he was serving in this position, the Education Improvement Act was passed and funded by the State; and
Whereas, a true passion of his was serving as treasurer on the board of directors of Penn Center. He actively served for more than eight years and continued to serve as legal counsel until his passing; and
Whereas, above all, Mr. Dore was the patriarch of his dearly loved family. He led by example, teaching them to love unconditionally, study and work hard, and stand up for their beliefs; and
Whereas, Louis O'Neil Dore leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife of over thirty years, Vernita Ferguson Dore; four beloved children, Anthony, Bertrand, Angela, and Candace; six 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 O'Neil Dore of Beaufort County and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to his son, Anthony Dore.
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