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Henry Lucius "Luke" Laffitte

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College of Charleston Medical University of South Carolina The Citadel University of South Carolina

Henry Laffitte Obituary

Henry Lucius "Luke" Laffitte ALLENDALE, SC - Dr. Henry Lucius "Luke" Laffitte passed away September 23 at his beloved Allendale County Hospital after a brief illness. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Allendale on Sunday, September 26, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. Friends are invited to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Johnson, 245 Confederate Highway, Allendale, after the service. Dr. Laffitte was born July 9, 1923, in Estill, SC, a son of the late M. Tucker and Elizabeth Lucius Laffitte. He attended Estill Public Schools and went to the Citadel. When his entire class was called for active duty during World War II, he was not accepted for service because of the damage to his leg caused by osteomyelitis in his childhood. He then attended and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1944 and from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1947. On July 12, 1948, Dr. Laffitte began practicing medicine in Allendale County. He had been on the medical staff of the Allendale County Hospital since it opened in 1950, and served as the Chief of Staff for several terms. He was a Family Practice Board Certified physician. He had been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Allendale where he had served as a Deacon. He participated in numerous local service and civic groups. He was a member of the South Carolina Medical Association, and a past Delegate to that Association. He was a member of the South Carolina Association of Family Physicians where he served as a Director and Vice Chairman of the Board. He was also a member of the American Medical Association, the Seaboard Coastline Railroad and Southern Railway Medical Societies. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice. He was an active member of the Allendale County Lions Club and was recognized with a fifty-year service award. In 1974, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the Baptist College of Charleston-now Charleston Southern University. That same year, he was named Outstanding Citizen of Allendale County by the Fairfax Jaycees. Dr. Laffitte served as Medical Control Physician for the Allendale County Rescue Squad for over 30 years. The Salkehatchie Campus of the University of South Carolina honored him in 1976 with the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award. In 1983, the Service to Humanity Award, given by the March of Dimes, was presented to Dr. Laffitte for his delivery and care of over 3,000 babies in Allendale County since he started his practice. The South Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians named Dr. Laffitte the Family Physician Of The Year in 1987. Dr. Laffitte had been a member of the South Carolina State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation since its inception in 1957 and had held various offices in that department since he began his service. He had been awarded a Citation for Meritorious Service, Loyalty, and Devotion to the Cause of Handicapped Citizens by that department. In 1985, the Agency dedicated its Staff Development Room in his honor. In 1989, The Agency honored him by naming its new building in Beaufort the H. Lucius Laffitte Building. In 2003, he was recognized with the Commissioner's Medal of Excellence-noting that during his tenure, five Commissioners and an untold number of people with disabilities have benefited from his wisdom, guidance, caring and compassion. In 1996, he was honored by the Allendale County Hospital for his devotion to the people of the Allendale area with the ceremonial unveiling of his portrait and the dedication of a furnished patient room. The portrait was commissioned by a grateful patient. In 1998, the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina recognized Dr. Laffitte with a Resolution recognizing his fifty years of outstanding, dedicated service to the citizens of Allendale County and the medical community. That same year, he was honored by being awarded the Order of the Palmetto from the Governor of the State of South Carolina. Dr. Laffitte served on the Boards of The Exchange Bank, the Carolina Commercial Bank, and the Palmetto State Bank and those banks honored him by establishing a scholarship in his name at the Salkehatchie Campus of the University of South Carolina in recognition of his service to the citizens of Allendale and the surrounding counties. In 1999, Dr. Laffitte was presented with the Physician of the Year for Outstanding Service from the Lower Savannah Health District Award by the South Carolina Medical Association. On the Nomination Form for the Award, the Health Director noted that the Allendale public health staff described Dr. Laffitte as having love and concern for his patients and the citizens of the county. He is described as a Christian professional. "Always busy, but never too busy to listen" were the words of one staff member. In 2000, he had the distinction of being the South Carolina Rural Health Association's first Pioneer Award recipient for the new millennium. The award is presented annually to an individual who has dedicated one's personal and professional life to caring for the health need of their patients and their community. At the presentation, it was stated that "Dr. Laffitte truly represents what is best about 'doctoring' in rural South Carolina. At the presentation, his friend and medical partner, Dr. T. B. Warren, Jr., spoke of his many years of outstanding service and said "I have never known a person as dedicated to his patients and his community as Dr. Laffitte." Dr. Laffitte was presented the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award by the University of South Carolina in 2003. The award recognizes and honors excellence of character and humanitarian service. He retired from "office hours" in 2001, and then spent 10 days in Honduras assisting at two clinics supported by Barnwell United Methodist Church and his friend, Dr. Henry Gibson. He continued to see patients at the Allendale County Nursing home and to work with the Rescue Squad until he completely retired at the age of 80. "Luke" dedicated his life to his profession. He missed numerous family and social obligations to tend to his patients and, oftentimes, to help those who were not his patients. His work was his hobby. He is survived by his wife of 61 year, Ann Cassels; daughters Elizabeth Ann, Rosalie and her husband Daniel M. Johnson, of Allendale, and Becky of Columbia, SC; son, Henry Lucius, Jr, and his wife Darryl Reynolds; grandchildren, Henry Lucius Laffitte, III and JaneAnn Laffitte of Beaufort, SC; brothers, R. Montague Laffitte and his wife Lib of Estill, SC, and M. Tucker Laffitte, Jr. and his wife Emma of Columbia, SC.; and a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles A. Laffitte, and his sisters, "Sue" (Mrs. S. L. Allen), "Pidge" (Mrs. A. S. Anderson), "Lu" Laffitte, and Lalla Lee (Mrs. H. M. Dalton). Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, PO Box 582, Allendale, SC, 29810; Luke Laffitte Scholarship Fund, USC Salkehatchie, PO Box 617, Allendale, SC, 29810; or CPR (Caring People Revitalizing Fund), Allendale County Hospital, PO Box 218, Fairfax, SC 29827 Keith Smith Funeral Service, 128 Water Street, Allendale, SC. 803-584-2492 Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Sep. 24 to Sep. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Laffitte

57 Entries

Melanie Mauldin

October 9, 2010

Becky,
Tom, Reed, I are thinking of you. This is one of life's major transitions and we are sending you and your family hearts full of love, and thanksgiving for your Father's wonderful life.
Love, Melanie

Kendall Erickson

October 1, 2010

Lucius & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all.

The Ericksons

Elaine Johnson

September 28, 2010

I know over the past few days you have heard many times of the kindness shown by Dr. Laffitte. He brought many of us into this world and thank goodness he was also there to help us along the way. I will miss my recent visits at the hospital lunch room on Sundays. As the poem says he was missed in heaven and it was time to go home. I know his patients took him away from you all often and we must all thank you for sharing him with us. Without him some of us would have never made it. Thanks to the family for those sacrifices, and we know heavens light shines brighter with him there.

vincent ellis

September 28, 2010

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Rhonda/Marshall Lawson

September 27, 2010

Becky, Rosalie and family:

May we send you our deepest sympathy at this time and say that our thoughts and prayers have been with all of you. Dr. Laffitte was a wonderful doctor and friend to his patients. The many years he devoted his time and services to the community will be long remembered. May your memories be a source of comfort.

Larry/Sally/Mikee Williams

September 27, 2010

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Donnie and Dorothy Bennett

September 27, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Ora Manning Davis

September 27, 2010

My first experience with Dr. Laffitte was when I was only nine years old and I knew even then how much he cared about his patients. He and Dr. Warren brought my only child into this world. I am sure the Great Physician welcomed him with open arms. May the love of God and your beautiful memories give you comfort during this difficult time.

Sally Moffat Cooke

September 27, 2010

Rosalie and Becky, please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Paula Bowers

September 27, 2010

Becky and family,

Dr. Laffitte was such a wonderful man and doctor. He gave so much of himself to the people. He has many jewels in his crown in Heaven. May God shine His favor on all of you during this time.
Love,
Paula

jo owens

September 26, 2010

Dr laffitte and dr warren delivered 6 of my mothers grands. His awesomenes will never be duplicated. and will be greatly missed.

Judy Norton Rivers

September 26, 2010

"Miss" Ann, and Laffitte Family: Your family was truly blessed to have had such a role-model for a husband and father. He was certainly a "Good Man" and a wonderful doctor. May your happy memories of him bring you some comfort. May God wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you during these days. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Coleen Gray-Baker

September 26, 2010

Thinking of all of you at this very special time. Dr. Laffitte meant a lot to so many people. He truly was one in a million. Thanks to the family for letting him be a part of our lives. Sincerely,Coleen Gray Baker and Family.My Mother ,Betty, had great respect for Dr. Laffitte. He was always there. God has a real Angel in heaven tonight.

DIANNE WILLIAMS

September 26, 2010

TO THE LAFFITTE FAMILY YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS.DR LAFFITTE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON.HE WILL SADLY BE MISSED HE ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL HE WAS PART OF YOUR FAMILY. ALLENDALE COUNY HAS LOST A GREAT MAN .

Brian Murrell

September 26, 2010

Becky and Laffitte family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of your father. Dads are special. Even though I didn't know him personally, I've know of his great work from many folks all around South Carolina. Please accept my condolences. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa McDaniel Ferguson

September 26, 2010

Lucius,
I have loved your Daddy since I was a little girl. He always made me better!
Allendale County was blessed to have had such a wonderful doctor who went above and beyond to provide the best care that he could. You don't find that kind of caring and compassion anymore! He was truly committed to his calling and that is why he was so loved! He will always be in our hearts! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jeanie Knapp

September 26, 2010

I am saddened to hear about Dr. Laffitte. Not only was he a wonderful man, but a wonderful Doctor... I know, as he was certainly out at the Dickinson home many times of my eighteen years in Allendale....
God Bless each of you during this very sad time.

Sheri Famuliner Demirjian

September 26, 2010

Lafitte Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. When I think of my time in Allendale, there is no one that I can think of that is more respected than Dr. Laffitte. He was an outstanding person in many ways. His legacy lives on in the work he did and the amazing family he leaves behind.

Milton Harden

September 26, 2010

I am deeply saddened by Dr. Laffitte's passing. He had taken excellent care of me and many members of my family over the past 45 years. It is a honor to have known a gentleman who had devoted his entire life to the health and well being of the citizens of South Carolina. I will remember him for as long as I have my own conscious memory.

thomas macdonald

September 26, 2010

I was blessed to have known and worked with Dr. Laffitte. He was a mentor and friend. He taught that people do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. May God comfort the Laffitte family and all those who knew and loved Dr. Luke.

Deborah Fleetwood Walker

September 26, 2010

Dr. Laffitte was my first doctor, I saw him for atleast 20 years. I can remember many visits with him he was a fine person and a very caring doctor. I send my condolensces to all his family and friends. God bless and be with you. I will think of you in my prayers....

Gale Rigby Kennedy

September 26, 2010

Becky - I am so sorry to learn of the death of your sweet daddy! You and all of your family have my love, prayers and sympathy. What a beautiful legacy he leaves for all of your family! I pray that God will wrap His strong and loving Arms around you and give you the peace and courage to face the days ahead. Do not worry about tomorrow, for God is already there. With all my love, Gale

September 25, 2010

To the Laffitte family, Patrick and I are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Luke has cared for our families for years, and he brought me into this world over 53 years ago. Every time I went to see him, he would come into the room and say "How ya doin, how ya doin, how ya doin?". He will be greatly missed, but now he is with the Great Physician. Love to all the family. Pat and Pem Richardson, Barnwell, S.C.

The Griner and Shipes Families

September 25, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Jeff Crosby

September 25, 2010

Mrs.Laffitte and Family,

Just want to let you know that mom and I are sorry for your lost. Dr. Laffitte was a great doctor and family man. We will miss him too. We will keep you in our prayers during this time.

Jeff and Marilyn Crosby

Walter Hankins

September 25, 2010

Dr Laffitte will be truly missed. He has doctored my entire family as though we were his own family. I will miss his famous greeting "How are you Colonel"

Willis and Jackie Bowers

September 25, 2010

May God wrap His arms around you and fill you with peace and comfort in your time of sorrow. Dr. Laffitte was a wonderful man, and I know you will miss him greatly. We will keep you in our prayers.

Rchard C. Furman

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte was my doctor for the first 25 years of my life and delivered my daughter bringing her into this world. Dr. Laffitte,to me, was the perfect example of a Southern Gentleman and a wonderful person. He will be sadly missed.

September 25, 2010

God Bless All of you. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you. He was a great man. Love, Bridget Boyles Britton

Dr. Ann and Theresa

September 25, 2010

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our prayers.

Susan Cook Bales

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte was a wonderful man and Doctor. He will truly be missed. My prayers are with you all.

Hall Boylston

September 25, 2010

I've know and loved Dr. Laffitte and his family my entire life. He was truely a fine, fine man. His kind don't come around very often. I can't even begin to count the kindnesses he has shown me and my family thoughout my lifetime. He's irreplaceable.

Marlene & Douglas Smith

September 25, 2010

Dr. "Luke" was one of the most precious men that God ever created. He touched my family with his concern and dedication to our family. God Bless each of you and know that he will truly be missed.

Jane Coker

September 25, 2010

My prayers and sympathy go out to the Laffitte Family. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Laffitte through a dear friend, your Aunt Betty, years ago. I know she loved each of you through stories she shared. May you find comfort in the arms of God who will sustain you through all things in life. Your dad will be missed as I am sure Betty is missed. I think of her often.

Linda Templeton

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte will truly be missed.My heart is filled with sadness.He cared for my mom during her extended ilness,and delivered my daughter.For this I am truly grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of grief and saddness.

Ashley Bush

September 25, 2010

One of the finest men I have ever been privileged to know and call friend.

September 25, 2010

To Everyone in Dr. Laffitte's Family:

Please know that the people who have you in their thoughts and prayers come from all over the United States and probably overseas as well.

He was a people person and a special doctor. Many, who he brought into the world, woke up Friday morning and found out that he had left us for the time being. He will forever be in my heart. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

With Fond Memories,
Debra Manuel Tucker, Portsmouth, Virginia

linda hiers

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte will always be remembered for his compassion for everyone.Prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time.

Jim and Charlene Shufelt

September 25, 2010

To Lucius and Family, we were saddened to hear of your Father's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte was a fine person and will surely be missed. Our prayers are with the family. The Bill Mills Family

Mackey Tarrant

September 25, 2010

Dear Becky and Family,
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Mackey Tarrant

Janice Zissette Bishop

September 25, 2010

My family and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Laffitte was such a wonderful doctor and friend. Allendale and the state of South Carolina were blessed by his presence in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as God continues to bless and comfort each of you. With great love and gratitude to you all.
The William Bishop Family

Sherri Smith

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte will be truley missed. My prayer's and thought's are with the family. May God be with you.

JAMES & BETTY ALL

September 25, 2010

TO THE FAMILY OF DR. LAFFITTE: DR. LAFFITTE WAS A WONDERFUL DR. AND FRIEND.MRS.ANN, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND ALWAYS KNOW THAT I LOVED YOU AND DR. LAFFITTE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE IN HEAVEN. I WILL TRULY MISS HIM

Gloria Varnadoe

September 25, 2010

Dr.Laffitte was always such a caring and understanding man. He was so helpful and uderstanding during the times my family suffered with illness and death. My mom and dad really cherished him. There was always good things said about him. He was truly a wonderful man and has left his mark on many of our hearts. God bless you all.

Julia Harley

September 25, 2010

May God bless you all in this time of sorrow.

Pinkie and Roger Armfield

September 25, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort.

Frieda & Al Harvey

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte will be sorely missed. It seems we have all lost a member of our family. When around him you knew you were in the presence of greatness. He taught us many lessons, by the way he lived his life. Today he walks with Jesus and will forever be in our hearts. All my love to Ann, Elizabeth, Rosalie, Becky, Lucius and all the family.

Jo Ann Williams

September 25, 2010

Rosalie,
So sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you during this difficult time and in the days ahead. May God Bless.

September 25, 2010

Dr Laffitte gave his all...we have special memories of him delivering
our two children...caring for them and us as the years went by...may
God comfort all of the family in the days ahead...
Bobby and Maxine Chesser

Cathy Carlson

September 25, 2010

Dr. Laffitte was a great man - he was loved and cherished by all who knew him. My love and prayers to all of you, and i hope you find comfort in knowing how dearly he was loved by all. Love, Cathy

Johnnie Kizer

September 25, 2010

No one has ever done more for Allendale County. He can not be replaced. God bless you and yours. We will all miss "Luke" till we meet in Heaven. He was the finest man I ever knew.

Shirley Close

September 25, 2010

To the Laffite family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Anyone from Allendale knows what a great man he is and knows that he will truely be missed. God Bless Each and everyone of you!

Ben Kinlaw

September 25, 2010

We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family.

Our prayer is that God will comfort you in your time of sorrow and the family remains in our thoughts and prayers.

We are eternally grateful for the many years of service to Allendale County that Dr. Laffitte unselfishly gave.

Jeanne Mabry

September 24, 2010

Beck;

If there's one thing that everyone knows, it's how much you love your Daddy!! You are very blessed to have had such an awesome Daddy!I am so incredibly sorry for the loss that your family has suffered.

I love you Beck!

Jeanne

Jeanne Mabry

September 24, 2010

Mrs. Laffitte:

Words cannot express the sadness in my heart. Please know that we are thinking of you and you are in our prayers

Jeanne & Family

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