It has been two-and-a-half years since Clarendon County said goodbye to one of its most dedicated law enforcement officers.
The family, friends and colleagues of the late Clarendon County Sheriff's Office Inv. Holmes N. Smith Jr. came together Saturday to honor his memory with the dedication of Capital Way in his name.
"Holmes is gone, but he's not forgotten," said Sheriff Tim Bailey. "What an honor it is to have this road named in his honor. We will see this every day and remember him. His brothers and sisters in law enforcement will see this every day and will never forget him. We are honored that the Sheriff's Office's road is named in his honor."
Holmes was killed Nov 5, 2014, in a vehicle wreck after suffering a cardiac event, according to the Clarendon County Coroner's Office.
Born June 15, 1969, in Columbia, he was a son of the last Master Sgt. Holmes Nathaniel Smith Sr. and Frances Elizabeth Smith. He received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from South Carolina State University in 1995 and had worked with the Manning Police Department, the state Department of Natural Resources and the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office in various capacities.
"He was a dedicated law enforcement officer who was more than happy to answer his call to service and took extreme pride in protecting and serving his community," said Sen. Kevin L. Johnson Jr., D-Manning, in reading a joint resolution from the state Senate and House of Representatives recognizing the naming of Capital Way in Smiths' honor. "He worked in law enforcement for nearly 20 years, serving as a police officer for the city of Manning; a game warden for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; and a sheriff's deputy for the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office."
Johnson said that Smith's wife, Tonia Mallett-Smith, asked him about having a road named in Smith's honor earlier this year.
"We could not get the road that Tonia initially wanted because it had already been named in honor of someone else," said Johnson. "But I think it's fitting that we got this road. God does not make mistakes and everything happens in His own time. This is a road that Holmes traveled every day. I think it's fitting that it bears his name."
Baxley said during his remarks that Smith was the type of law enforcement officer who would do anything for anyone.
"I approached him while he was at the Manning Police Department about joining the Department of Natural Resources, because we were looking for good officers, and he was one of the best," Baxley said. "We had a position in Sumter County, and I wanted him to apply. Some other guys were interested, but they couldn't swim, and you had to take a swimming test."
Baxley said that Smith took personal time to help those fellow officers learn how to swim before the testing process.
"I was impressed with him," Baxley said. "We hired him and he worked with us for a while, but he soon figured out that his low was right back where we are standing here today."
Manning Mayor Julia Nelson, a longtime friend of Smith and his wife, said that Smith was "so much to so many people."
"He was the kind of person that was friendly to everyone," she said. "He could intimidate you buy his look, but he was a gentle giant. On behalf of myself and Manning City Council and the (residents) of Manning, we want to thank his family for the services he rendered for mankind. He's an unforgettable person and we love him."
Mallett-Smith said that one of her husband's dearest friends was former Sheriff Randy Garrett.
"If Randy Garrett said it, it was law as far as Holmes was concerned," said Mallett-Smith.
Garrett did not deliver public remarks Saturday, but said afterward that he "thought it was a kind thing that was done today with that road being named after him."
"I loved him and I miss him," said Garrett. "There were two words that describe him the best, and I always keep that with me. He was humble and he was kind, always to everyone."
Smith's aunt, Shirley Smith, thanked everyone who came to Saturday's ceremony.
"Holmes was my nephew, and he was the son I never had," she said. "He made me proud to be his aunt. Some of my proudest moments in Holmes' life came where he graduated from South Carolina State University and when he married Tonia. We love his wife and children, and they continue to make us proud."
Smith was the father of five children, and a member of Green Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he sang with the Male Choir. He also volunteered with the local Cub Scouts, who established a My Little Buddy Award in his honor and memory.
"He had a great love for his church and community," said Shirley Smith. "He was very special to me, and I simply adored him. We appreciate the effort, time and travel that it took for you to be with us today. We feel truly blessed to be able to share this amazing day with each and everyone of you."
