Thomas Luther Shealy, Jr.

Thomas Luther Shealy, Jr. (Tom), 88, died peacefully at his home in Clemson, SC. on April 6, 2024. Tom was a man of strong faith and not afraid of leaving this earth to join the eternal heavenly kingdom. He was able to reminisce and laugh with lots of devoted friends and golf buddies over the past month as well as enjoy the beautiful Lake Hartwell view from his chair. 

Tom was born on September 5, 1935 in Winnsboro, SC at his home on Holly Street. Tom was the only child of T.L. Shealy and Mary Ellen Jones Shealy from Little Mountain, SC and Newberry, SC respectively. Tom grew up in three mill villages - Winnsboro, SC, Schoolfield, VA, and Kingsport, TN. Tom graduated from Dobyns Bennett High School in Kingsport in 1952, and then graduated from Clemson A&M College in 1956 (BS Textile Engineering). After college, Tom was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served two years in the U.S. Army (Korean conflict).

 Tom married the love of his life, Elizabeth Irene Dunlap (Betty) of Rock Hill, SC on September 26, 1958. He is survived by his wife Betty and two children, Beth Shealy Adams (Scott), and Thomas Shealy III (Sue), and five grandchildren: Jamie, Erin, and Abigail Adams. Leslie Shealy Smith (Dillon), and Thomas Shealy IV. 

Tom had a rewarding thirty-six year career with Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN. Tom served as Vice President and General Manager of Fibers business as well as VP over technical service of Chemicals, Plastics, and Advertising. He was the Chairman of the Board of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association from 1990-1992. He loved living in Kingsport, loved his work environment, and loved the 14th hole at Ridgefields Country Club. 

Throughout his life, Tom was active in church life and served as an Elder at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, and also Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson.

 Tom and Betty retired in 1993 and moved to Kiawah Island, SC for thirteen years before moving to Clemson in 2007. Tom and Betty were very involved with Clemson University, and Tom served on The Clemson University Board of Visitors, President’s Advisory Council, and the co-chair of the Clemson Class of 1956 and their project building: the 1956 Academic Success Center. 

Sadly, Betty received an Alzheimer's diagnosis 12 years ago and has been a full time resident at the Clemson Downs for the past 7 years. During that time Tom has visited her daily, often twice a day before he became terminally ill. They would hold hands and listen to music together. The couple were soulmates who have cherished their 66 wonderful years of marriage and life everlasting.

 Tom's favorite hobbies were golf, Sunday school classes, and anything that had to do with the Clemson Tigers! The family is very grateful for the supportive caregivers at Clemson Downs, and The Palliative Care from Via Health Partners. Memorials can be made to Fort Hill Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 3 p.m. at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 Edgewood Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.