Russell Ashmore, Jr., center, Rep. Rita Allison and Larry Copeland mark the historic moment with a photo request at the Ashmore Brothers annual Labor Day BBQ.
A prolonged standing ovation greeted Russell Ashmore, Jr., upon his being presented the Order of the Silver Crescent this afternoon at the company's annual Labor Day BBQ Picnic.
But it was the employees, suppliers and customers who thanked Ashmore with a prolonged standing ovation when Rep. Rita Allison (District 36) presented him the Order of the Silver Crescent. “I had no idea what was going on when they asked me to stay on stage,” Ashmore said. “I was overwhelmed by it. I have had a lot of help.”
The Silver Crescent recognizes people who make a significant contribution to a city or community. Gov. Nikki Haley signed the proclamation.
“You get energized by people like Mr. Ashmore when I present these awards. Look what the Ashmore Brothers have done and what they mean to the community,” Allison said. “They provide jobs, quality of life and they give back to the community.”
Larry Copeland, a friend of Ashmore’s, was the historian that took charge of collecting information to submit for the nominating process. “He (Ashmore) is so humble it was hard getting any information out of him,” Copeland said. “I didn’t know he had an honorary degree from North Greenville (University) until I came upon it doing research.”
Allison told those gathered, “Mr. Ashmore has more to do with the community than just this business. I also know how outstanding a person you are, to your employees and to your faith.”
“This is not a one man show. It’s a team effort,” Ashmore said.
Ashmore’s father, Russell C. Ashmore, Sr. founded the business in 1930 and but Ashmore Brothers was conceived in 1946 when Russell’s brother, Mack, joined him. Russell’s son, Richard and Russell, Jr., joined the business in 1959 and 1960, respectively.