History was in the making as Dimery & Rogers Funeral Home of Florence celebrated their grand opening of a showroom/chapel in Kingstree. The August 20, ribbon cutting took place at 501 N. Longstreet St. The Rev. Franklin Fulmore gave the invocation and manager Alvin L. Dimery welcomed attendants.
The opening of the showroom is a continuance of the business that began in 1916 when William Peter Rogers opened his funeral home in Kingstree. During that time, the caskets were handmade by family members. Members of the family were also an active force in Williamsburg County politics during the Civil Rights era who helped pave the way for many of the African American elected officials who now make up the majority of county government.
Dignitaries attending the celebration included Kingstree Mayor Ricky Burrows, W.C. Supervisor Stanley Pasley and Senator John Yancey McGill, all of whom commented on the family and their ties to the family. “The Dimery family has been a legacy in Williamsburg County,” said Senator McGill, who recalled his close relationship with the Dimery family and how as a young man he would sell peanuts to the late Rev. Virgil Dimery. “They have been a family of civic opportunity and a family that has given to the community. There are documents in the courthouse that reflect the impact the Dimery family have had on this county. They are in the history books and will always be in the hearts of all of us who have had the pleasure of knowing them.” After the ceremony, attendants enjoyed a tour of the facility and refreshments.