History of Southeastern Memorial Gardens

Southeastern Memorial Gardens was founded in 1960 by Mr. Leamon Todd, a local real estate developer. Mr. Todd purchased the land from one of the beach’s founding families, the Vereens. Southeastern Memorial Gardens was chartered by the State of South Carolina in 1960. Southeastern Memorial Gardens is a Perpetual Care Cemetery of 15 acres located on Hwy 17 South in North Myrtle Beach. Southeastern Memorial Gardens is located directly between Christ Risen Lutheran Church and Barefoot Landing. The Shrine of Good Shepherd, our first mausoleum, was planned and constructed during Mr. Todd’s ownership and was completed in 1967.

Southeastern Memorial Gardens was purchased by Richard Leonard of Sutherland, Iowa in 2004. Mr. Leonard brings several years of experience to Southeastern Memorial Gardens. Since he took ownership, The Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum has been constructed. He also has placed the beautiful “Praying Hands” statue on top of the columbarium. Mr. Leonard’s highest priorities are maintaining the beauty and serenity of the cemetery and continuing to build and upgrade the cemetery for our families throughout future years.