A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DR. GARY BETHEA OF COLUMBIA FOR HIS DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO CELEBRATE HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER.

 

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. Having spent his life serving others, Dr. Gary Bethea of Columbia exemplifies such South Carolinians; and

 

Whereas, since graduation from Meharry Medical College, Dr. Gary Bethea has striven to make his mark in dentistry. After completing a one-year residency at Prisma Health Richland, he practiced several years alongside veteran colleagues before deciding to open his own practice in May 2018. Every day, he and his team strive to provide "dental excellence made personal," and their labors have resulted in amazing relationships, success, and several accolades for Bethea Family Dentistry. Over the past five years, the practice has been given the Better Business Bureau Small Business of the Year Torch Award, as well as listing in Best & Brightest 35 and Under (Columbia Business Monthly), Top Dentists in the Midlands (Columbia Metropolitan), and 20 Under 40 (The State). In 2020, Dr. Bethea participated in the prestigious Leadership Columbia program, and in December 2021 he was the recipient of the South Carolina Dental Association's James B. Edwards Citizenship Award. Further, in October 2022, he was blessed with the opportunity to speak at the American Dental Association Annual Conference. Dr. Bethea also remains involved in several other professional organizations; and

 

Whereas, while striving to excel in his profession, Dr. Bethea also works hard making an impact in the community. Living by his motto, "It's deeper than dentistry," he has made it a point to connect with his patients and others on a level that extends beyond oral hygiene. He always has engaged in speaking at local schools and churches and in bringing in several mentors a year. In 2021, he and his wife, Shayla, established their nonprofit organization, Deeper Than Dentistry, to help in their cause to be always a guiding light for our youth; and

 

Whereas, other charity works include hosting free dental days, raising money for a local homeless shelter, and, since 2012, volunteering regularly at the community children's clinic. Dr. Bethea also wrote a book (released in 2021), Deeper Than Dentistry, to share his testimony on overcoming adversity and his journey into marketplace ministry. All proceeds from book sales have been donated to the Betheas' nonprofit; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Bethea, whose story was aired on The 700 Club last fall, is a man of faith who serves the Lord as a member of First Northeast Baptist Church; and

 

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Dr. Gary Bethea who use their talents and resources to serve others. Gratefully, the House acknowledges Dr. Bethea's invaluable and far-reaching contributions to the betterment of the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Gary Bethea of Columbia for his dedicated community service to the people of South Carolina and celebrate his distinguished career.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Gary Bethea.

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