A senate RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF FRED BROUGHTON OF ORANGEBURG AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fred Broughton of Orangeburg on June 21, 2024, at the venerable age of 84; and

Whereas, born in Cross, South Carolina on April 22, 1940, Fred Broughton was the eldest of Franklin and Charlotte Bennett Broughton's eight children. His parents valued education highly and worked diligently in their farming business to ensure that Fred and his siblings were well educated. At an early age, Fred accepted Christ as his savior and joined Unity Missionary Baptist Church in Eutawville; and

Whereas, in 1957, Fred graduated from Cross High School and began his collegiate career at South Carolina State College in the fall. His college career was interrupted by a mandatory stint in the United States Air Force, during which he served in Okinawa, Japan. After his honorable discharge, he returned to South Carolina State College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1962; and

Whereas, on June 7, 1965, Fred married the former Amelia Dicks, and the couple in time became the parents of three loving and devoted sons: Rahman Krishna, Ivan Mario, and Frederick Kurt. Encouraging and supporting the boys as they pursued higher education and lifelong learning, the senior Broughtons instilled in their sons a mix of traditional values and modern business principles; and

Whereas, Fred began his professional career teaching chemistry at Cross High School. In 1963, he and fellow South Carolina State University graduates Leroy Mitchell, Diggs O. Hill, and Willie Green became the youngest African American supervisors in the South Carolina Region of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmer's Home Administration. After working ten years with the agency in three counties, Fred pursued his passion of becoming an entrepreneur. Over the next twenty years, Fred and Amelia acquired and managed two dry cleaning establishments and a uniform rental franchise in Orangeburg. After two decades as a business owner, Fred returned to his roots, managing the Small Farm Division of the 1890 Program at South Carolina State University. Fred expanded the program by lobbying for increased funding and resources. He later served as a small farm consultant with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA), helping communities plan farmers' markets and assisting farmers in crop diversification. Fred's work with the SCDA impacted many counties across the State, where he established farmers' markets still in operation today; and

Whereas, Fred dedicated his life to service through various community organizations and civic engagements. Well known in the Orangeburg area as a business owner and political organizer, he served as chairman of the Orangeburg County Economic Development Board and the City Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee. Over his distinguished professional career, Fred received such honors as the Leadership Award from the Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo and special recognition as a member of a National Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee from the United States Department of Agriculture. In 2000, he received the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame Award; and

Whereas, in retirement, Fred enjoyed a busy social and civic life, traveling with his wife to cultural and historic sites across the State and country. He was a member of local Mason and Shriner organizations. His personality was infectious and helped him to engage with people from all walks of life, especially after joining Toastmasters International, in which he achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster designation and became a district governor of Toastmasters Branch 58; and

Whereas, Fred Broughton leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Amelia; three sons, Rahman Broughton of Atlanta, Georgia, Ivan Broughton of Atlanta, and Frederick Broughton of Orangeburg; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Fred Broughton 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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