08/02/2026
Franklin Gregory âGoreeâ Smith, Sr., 82, of St. Matthews, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on August 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A Celebration of Life service will be held 4 PM, Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Clark McCrary officiating. The family will hold a visitation from 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday Evening, August 4, 2026 also at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Robbie Shuler, Malcolm Franklin, Richard Aiken, Octavio Salinas, Tony Ayon and Cody Durr.
Born on August 14, 1943, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Goree was the son of the late Dudley David Smith, Sr. and Vergie King Smith. He was raised in the Lone Star community of Orangeburg County, where he developed his solid work ethic, love of the outdoors, and deep-rooted values that came to define his life.He attended Cameron High School before continuing his education at North Greenville University and the University of South Carolina. As a young man, he earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, a reflection of the leadership, service, and integrity that remained a hallmark of his character.
In 1976, Goree purchased property in Elloree, South Carolina, and founded Elloree Training Center, Inc. In so doing he built more than a nationally respected Thoroughbred training facility - he built a community. The farm became a place where young racehorses were developed, lifelong friendships were formed, and countless individuals found encouragement and opportunity under his guidance.
The Elloree Trials, founded by the Palmetto Jockey Club in 1963, became a beloved rite of Spring over the years. With Goreeâs involvement after opening Elloree Training Center, the late March event became a red letter day on everyoneâs calendar. Thousands turned up to celebrate; there were tailgate parties, hat contests, the Miss Elloree Trials pageant, and an afternoon full of racing. Goree and his staffâs tireless efforts truly made the Trials one of South Carolinaâs annual highlights.
His immeasurable contributions to the horse racing industry earned him numerous accolades and awards from the South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (SCTOBA) for many years. His signature cowboy boots, peaked Keeneland cap and unmistakable presence became constants at the industryâs most important horse sales from Florida to upstate New York. He was a widely sought-after advisor whose exceptional horsemanship and keen eye for young Thoroughbred athletes made him highly respected by his colleagues.
Frequently interviewed and quoted by racing industry publications, his name became synonymous with top quality horses who went on to achieve success on the racetrack. A notable quote in Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred magazine was pure Goree: âSome horses come by you and itâs âWhooosssh - what was that?â Itâs kind of the swagger. Watching a horse move along. First steps, turning. Good ones have a little swagger to themâŚthey do to me, anyway.â
A devoted Christian, Goree quietly lived his faith through generosity, compassion, and service to others. He faithfully supported local charities and was deeply involved in the Elloree community.
Goree was, above all, a family man. He was a loving husband to Bari H. Smith and a devoted father to Franklin Gregory Smith, Jr. (Melissa), Catherine M. Smith, V. Suzanne Davis, and Caroline S. Garrett (Caleb). He delighted in being âPappyâ to his grandchildren: Franklin Gregory Smith III, Riley Alexandra Smith, Ava Elizabeth Cuttino, Bari Langley Cuttino, Emma Grace Cuttino, Jessie Luke Davis, Jr., Franklin Chance Davis, Wesley Logan Davis, Harper Elizabeth Garrett, and Adeline Estelle Garrett.
He is also survived by his brother, Hamilton A. Smith (Jody).
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings, Dudley David Smith, Jr., Celestia Roberts, Annie Laurie Watson, John Edward Smith, and Cleo Hendy.
All who knew Goree will remember him as the definitive Southern gentleman. Kind, humble, dependable, and generous, he was a caretaker by nature and a mentor to many. Goree led with quiet strength. To those who worked alongside him over the years, he was more than an employer; they were family, and he was simply âPoppa.â He believed in helping others succeed, leading by example, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. While his absence leaves holes in so many hearts, his family takes comfort in knowing that his faith has become sight and his legacy will live on not only through his family, but also through the countless friends, horsemen and members of the Elloree community whose lives were enriched by him.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Home Health Care, Patricia Starks and Brenda Darby for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center. Donations may be made online at www.elloreemuseum.org .
âWell done, good and faithful servant.
Franklin Gregory Goree Smith, Sr., 82, of St. Matthews, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on August 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A Celebration of Life service will be held 4 PM, Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Dukes-Harley Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Clark McCrary offici...
