Luther Moon: A Life of Service, Vision, and Community

My name is Luther Moon, and for the past 25 years, my wife Yoshiko and I have proudly called Honea Path home.

Our journey began when we stumbled upon a vacant historic storefront downtown. With a love for community and restoration, we saw more than just a building.. we saw 'Mayberry', the kind of town we had been searching for. With the blessing of then Mayor Lollis, we transformed that old general store into our home and an art gallery for Yoshiko. That decision sparked a deep and lasting commitment to us, the town and its people.

After completing the renovation, I opened a computer repair business and soon found myself drawn into community service. Yoshiko and I were invited to join the local Merchants Association, eventually becoming its leaders. Leveraging my background in business, design, and construction.. and Yoshiko’s experience in teaching and the arts, we doubled the size and scope of the town’s events. From Spring Fling to Honea Path’s Got Talent, the Sugarfoot Festival and one of the largest car shows in the state, we helped bring life, joy, and visitors to our downtown. In 2016, Yoshiko and I were honored as Citizens of the Year.

Before Honea Path, my life had already been full. At 17, I joined the U.S. Army, serving with distinction in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. I was shot down twice, injured, and honored with several medals, including the Bronze Star for Valor in combat. After my service, I spent five years healing and exploring the Caribbean, then returned to Richmond, Virginia, where I built a successful restoration and design firm and developed a thriving horse farm and racing operation, even setting a track record in the Camptown Quarter Horse Race and winning races at every major track in the northeast.

A fascination with aircraft led me to South Carolina, where I began working with a composite aircraft developer near Greenville. That move brought me even closer to my next and greatest adventure: marriage. I met Yoshiko in the early days of the internet.. a love story sparked by a ringing sound from my computer. Two years later, I proposed and she said yes before I could finish the question.

Yoshiko, a licensed High Master Artist in her in her own right, and I have shared not only a marriage but a mission: to create, serve, and give back. Whether it's restoring old buildings, promoting the arts, growing small businesses, or organizing festivals and events, we believe in building community from the ground up.

But the Honea Path we fell in love with has changed. In recent years, under poor leadership, we've seen mismanagement, lost traditions, and rising taxes despite original surpluses. Now, with a special mayoral election called, after the mayor's resignation amid serious allegations, I feel the time has come for me to step up to the proverbial plate once more.

With a lifetime of service, leadership, and results, I’m ready to help restore faith, accountability, and prosperity in Honea Path. This is not just our town. It's our home.