BURKE, VA – Lieutenant Colonel Retired, Thomas A. Wilson, of Burke, Virginia, died unexpectedly at his residence on January 11, 2010.
Born September 19, 1947 in Anderson, SC, Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his father, retired Command Sergeant Major Frazier A. Wilson on December 10, 2009, and his mother, Frances M. Wilson on December 21, 2009 of Augusta, GA. The son of career military parents, Mr. Wilson attended public schools in SC, NC, Germany, and Texas, graduating from T.L. Hanna High School in Anderson, SC in 1965. He attended Clemson University where he served in the ROTC and graduated with honors then immediately entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1969. He later received a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri. He served with his father in Fort Polk, Louisiana during his first two years in service. Lt Col Wilson served in Germany, SC, and Vietnam where he received two Purple Hearts. The remainder of his 20 year military career was served at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Mr. Wilson also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs after his military retirement. He was most recently employed by Turtle Reef Holdings, LLC working on a project to help returning soldiers and their families, a cause he always held close to his heart.
He is survived by his wife, Tina Wilson of Mooresville, NC; two daughters, Holli M. Carpenter and husband, Charles of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and Linnea M. Wilson of Mooresville, NC; one son, Zachary S. Wilson of Burke, VA; brother, Edward M. Wilson and wife, Anne of Rome, GA; and three grandchildren, Caroline, Christopher, and Cameron Carpenter of Grand Blanc, Michigan. He is also survived by three nephews, Brian E. Wilson and wife, Keidrah of Cave Spring, GA, Jordan Marchbanks and wife, Jenny of Anderson, SC, and Jamie Marchbanks of Anderson, SC; and two great nieces, Brinley and Mari Klaire Wilson of Cave Spring, GA.
Memorial services will be held in March in Washington, DC and Anderson, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a deserving soldiers organization of choice.
SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY, ANDERSON, SC
www.sullivanking.com