Thomas Roy Tomlinson

Thomas Roy Tomlinson, resident of Gaffney, died at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center July 29. He was 76. Born January 10, 1936, in Wilmington, Delaware, Tom was a 1955 graduate of Easton Military Academy. An avid sports fan his whole life, Tom played football for the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduation, he took a job with Sealand Transportation in South Carney, New Jersey, managing their facilities. It was a move that changed his life because there he met co-worker and the love of his life, Norma Roberts, whom he married on June 25, 1966. Work took Tom and his young family to Indiana, and later to New Jersey and New York. In 1993, Tom started his own transportation business in Spartanburg. He attended Greenpoint Baptist Church in Inman. Even though he moved South, he never stopped rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, and no matter where he lived, Tom never stopped enjoying his Boarshead coldcuts, a good cup of coffee, and good conversation. Tom is survived by several loving children and grandchildren: Kimberly McKenzie (Alvin), Kevin Tomlinson (Heather), Brooks Tomlinson (Brandy), Sarah Tomlinson, Jennifer Jadick, Valerie Jadick, Morgan Gardner, Tatum Tomlinson, Finley Tomlinson, Clara Tomlinson, and Presley Tomlinson. They will remember him for his love of the open road, his great sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone feel special. His siblings included Jean (deceased), John ("Jack"), and William ("Bill") Tomlinson. Tom will join his beloved Norma at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Inman. Services will be held at 11:00 o'clock, August 1, at Seawright Funeral Home, 26 East Main Street, Inman.