Rhett LaFon was born on April 8, 1946, in Hickory, North Carolina, the son of Helen LeFevers LaFon and late Harvey M. LaFon. Thett was a graduate of Martinsville High School, in Martinsville, Virginia and attended the University of Virginia.
He was a fire inspector with Horry County Fire Department. In 1980, he became on of the first firefighters at Socastee Fire Station 1 and was named “Fireman of the Year” in 1988. In 1989, LeFon was elected District Chief of the Socastee Fire Station, a position he held until his death.
An Army/Air Force veteran of the Vietnam war, serving in Korea, Rhett served his country for four years.
Rhett also was a former owner of Custom Cabinet Makers.
LaFon was a charter member of the Lutheran Church of the Risen Christ in Myrtle Beach and Holy Lamb Lutheran Church in Forestbrook.
He was a member of the Horry Georgetown Chief’s Association, and South Carolina State Firemen’s Association.
He answered his last call on August 24, 1993. LaFon is survived by his wife, Priscilla Eschtruth LaFon, and a son, James Ronald LaFon, both of Myrtle Beach.
Our chief and friend, your personality, pride, and professionalism will never be forgotten.
– NFFFYou will always be a part of our Station 1.
– NFFFFrom all of the Station 1 members we thank you for your service to the citizens of Horry County Sout Carolina. You will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace Brother!
– Socastee HCFR Station 1Thank you for your service and dedication to Horry County South Caroline. You will not be forgotten. You will live on in the hearts of all that serve here. Rest in Peace Brother.
– HCFR Socastee Station 1