Carl David Tolson Jr.

Carl David Tolson, Jr.
LANCASTER -- Mr. Tolson died June 11, 2011 at the age of eighty. He was the son of the late Frederica Rogers Tolson and Carl David Tolson, Sr., born April 4, 1931 in Swansboro, NC where he grew up. He graduated from Swansboro High School and East Carolina University and did graduate studies at the University of Miami, FL. He also completed the Executive Education Program on managing the computer resource at Harvard Business School.
Mr. Tolson is survived by his wife, Carolyn Patterson Tolson, a son, Carl David Tolson, III and his wife Viki and two grandchildren, Caroline and Lillian Tolson. Other survivors include a sister, Zeta Tolson Sanders, a brother-in-law, Harry V. Hamilton, both of Swansboro; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Tolson Hamilton.
David served our great country during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany with the US Army. After his studies at the University of Miami, he was employed as an auditor with Armour and Co. in Atlanta. In 1969 he was employed in management with data processing with the The Springs Cotton Mills, now Springs Industries. In 1984 he was employed as Director of Finance with Sumter Schools until his retirement.
David was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees. He and Carolyn served on a mission trip team to Russia in 1994. He was a member of the Adult Fellowship Sunday School Class where he occasionally taught and enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School. During the 1970s he was Scout Master of Troop 71 and also worked with MYF.
He loved life, loved to laugh, was an avid golfer and enjoyed gardening. David and Carolyn enjoyed traveling, having traveled to Europe many times since retirement. He cherished his family and treasured many special times with them - especially his son and grandchildren. His quick wit will be missed by his family and friends. During the last two years his motto was, 'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about dancing in the rain.' David remained positive and hopeful throughout his journey with lung cancer; he fought with all he had and did that in hopes of resuming his love of life with family and friends. He has brought joy and laughter to so many over the years. There are so many to thank that followed and care for him throughout these days. The family expresses sincere appreciation to Dr. Deepak Shah and the great staff at Springs Memorial Hospital for their loving and expert care.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Tolson will be held Friday, June 17, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joseph Curtis officiating with visitation following in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 608, Lancaster, SC 29721.
Notes to the family may be made at www.lancasterfuneralhome.com.
Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Tolson.