By Alletta Cooper
WCHL Intern

About 100 people attended a dedication of a Habitat for Humanity home in memory of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity president Courtland Smith, who was shot to death by police in August. Family and friends joined Habitat volunteers at the dedication Saturday morning.

Construction on the partially completed homes in Phoenix Place came to a halt as people gathered under a clear, Carolina blue sky for the dedication. The newly built house at 104 Gracie Circle is the first completed in the community off Rogers Road in Chapel Hill.

Davis Willingham, the current DKE president and one of Courtland’s close friends spoke about his fraternity brothers dedication to the project, with all 68 active members volunteering on the build.

Courtland’s father Pharr Smith said the house was a fitting memorial for his son.

But, he said, Courtland’s leadership is his legacy.

The fraternity has raised nearly $94,000 for Habitat for Humanity with the help of several sponsors, including Bank of America who contributed $30,000 and volunteers.

Davis Willingham said the brothers pledged to continue working with Habitat to complete Phoenix Place. DKE is working to raise another $40,000 to build an outdoor recreation and picnic area for the neighborhood in Courtland’s memory.

The recipients of the house are Lion and Zar Ree Wei and their six children. Twelve-year-old Ree Ree spoke for the family because her parents, immigrants from Myanmar, do not speak much English. She said her family is incredibly grateful for their new home.

Courtland’s father, Pharr, summed up the dedication of the house in a few simple words.

And the Wei family sang a song in Karen to show their appreciation. The house still needs some finishing touches, but through the hard work of the volunteers, sponsors and DKE brothers, the project is a month ahead of schedule.