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Few names in Florence County and the Pee Dee region carry the same weight of integrity, compassion, and commitment as Samuel Lee Generette. A man of remarkable faith, purpose, and vision, Rev. Generette devoted his life to uplifting others through consistent action, generosity, and servant leadership. His life’s work continues to serve as the foundation and inspiration behind the Utopia Reimagined Foundation and the Samuel L. Generette Legacy Center.

 

A Lifelong Servant Leader

Born and raised in Florence County, South Carolina, Samuel L. Generette was a 1977 graduate of Johnsonville High School, where he excelled academically and athletically. As a standout football player, he represented Johnsonville in the North South All Star Football Game, along with being the 1977 All-Star Athlete for South Carolina, demonstrating the discipline and excellence that later defined his leadership in business, ministry, and community work.

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After graduation, he attended Williamsburg Technical College and South Carolina State University, where he strengthened his leadership and technical skills in preparation for a life of service and community driven purpose.

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Entrepreneurship and Early Work Ethic

At sixteen, Rev. Generette began working with McCall's Supply, Inc, where he learned the trade of HVAC. His technical skill and reliability quickly made him a trusted employee and later a respected independent contractor. He later created his own business, Century Heating and Cooling, building a reputation for excellence, fairness, and integrity. Over time, he expanded into a full HVAC and maintenance service, bringing comfort, craftsmanship, and care to families throughout the Pee Dee region. His work embodied his steadfast belief that “work builds dignity, and dignity builds community.”

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Champion for Education and Opportunity

Believing deeply in the power of education, Rev. Generette served two terms on the Florence County School District Five Board of Trustees. He advocated for stronger resources, career readiness programs, and equal access to quality education. Alongside Blossom Generette, he helped expand adult education opportunities in Johnsonville, supporting residents in earning GEDs, learning trades, and developing life skills.

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Today, Blossom Generette continues this legacy by hosting Senior Citizens Programs and gatherings at the SLG Life Center, extending the compassion and fellowship he championed.

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Faith, Ministry, and Service

As Pastor of White Chapel Freewill Holiness Church, Rev. Generette led with humility, love, and integrity. His sermons combined spiritual depth with practical wisdom, inspiring people to live out their faith by serving their neighbors and strengthening their community.

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Community Building and Civic Impact

Rev. Generette’s community impact extended far beyond the church. He worked closely with city and county leaders to secure resources, improve neighborhoods, and advocate for local needs. Among his accomplishments was helping establish a park and basketball court in the Hickory Hill Community of Johnsonville, creating a safe and positive space for youth.

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Alongside his close friend Henry Morris, he dedicated countless hours to purchasing groceries, organizing food drives, and delivering supplies to families across Johnsonville, Florence, and Surrounding Areas.

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A Dream Deferred and Fulfilled

In his later years, Rev. Generette envisioned a community center that would uplift children, empower adults, and strengthen families. He began laying the foundation for this dream by meeting with community members and local leaders.

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Although he passed away on June 19, 2009 before seeing it realized, his dream did not end. It lived on in the hearts of those he inspired.

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Today, the Samuel L. Generette Legacy Center continues this vision through the work of the Utopia Reimagined Foundation.

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Legacy of Love, Leadership, and Vision

Rev. Generette’s legacy lives through his children, grandchildren, and the extended families who were shaped by his love, leadership, and example. His wife, Maggalene Gibson Henryhand (formally Generette), remains an important part of the family history that supported his work and ministry.

His daughter, Ava D. Generette, continues his vision as Founder and Executive Director of the Utopia Reimagined Foundation and the Samuel L. Generette Legacy Center. Her dedication to community development, youth empowerment, and legacy building reflects the same spirit of service he lived by.

His son, Deon Generette, carries forward his father’s strength, discipline, and commitment to youth through Dapper and Distinguished Gentlemen (DDG), an organization devoted to mentoring young men and guiding them toward academic excellence, leadership, confidence, and purpose.

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This legacy is also carried by the extended families who shaped the world around him including the Generette Family, the Davis Family, the Hanna Family, and the Parker Family. Each represents a branch of love, support, and generational strength that contributed to the man he became and the community he served.

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Through family, service, entrepreneurship, and community leadership, the impact of Samuel L. Generette continues to uplift new generations across Florence County, Johnsonville, and the entire Pee Dee region.

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This legacy also lives through the Utopia Reimagined Foundation and the future Samuel L. Generette Legacy Center where his lifelong dream of transforming communities through education and opportunity is being brought to life.

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-“To whom much is given, much is required.” Luke 12:48

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In honoring Samuel L. Generette, we honor the very spirit of community itself a legacy that continues, grows, and inspires for generations to come.