ROCK HILL, SC — Luther C. “Luke” Elrod, III passed away March 10, 2013 after a valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Elrod was the founding partner of Elrod Pope Law Firm, one of Rock Hill’s most established law practices, serving clients with serious injury, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice and disability matters.
Mr. Elrod was regarded as one of South Carolina’s most respected authorities on workers’ compensation law. After graduating from Furman University in 1965, he obtained his law degree in 1969 from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Mr. Elrod began his career as a criminal defense attorney in the JAG Corps of the US Army at the General Court Martial Jurisdiction Headquarters TASCOM in Worms, Germany. Following his military service, he practiced criminal and personal injury law with John Bolt Culbertson in Greenville and later with the McDonald & Cox firm, building his focus on workers’ compensation. In 1980, Mr. Elrod relocated to Rock Hill and started The Elrod Law Firm. Through the years, the firm eventually became Elrod, Jones, Leader and Benson. In 2007, the firm renamed itself as Elrod Pope Law Firm following the addition of former 16th Circuit Solicitor, Thomas E. “Tommy” Pope.
Elrod Pope Law Firm will maintain its name and continue its focus on workers’ compensation and personal injury law with Tommy Pope, Jack Leader, David Benson and Harold Staley as managing partners along with Andrew “Drew” Creech and Garrett Johnson as associate attorneys. The firm has offices located in Rock Hill at 212 E. Black Street and in Lake Wylie (by appointment only), at 264 Latitude Lane, Suite 102.
Mr. Elrod leaves a professional legacy admired by many. He was a committed and passionate attorney to his clients, a strong leader and mentor to his partners and staff, a dedicated member of the Rock Hill community and a loving husband, father and friend. His presence and zeal for life will be greatly missed.
