Paul Corbett Tomlinson
1946 - 2015
Paul Corbett Tomlinson
1946 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
Paul Tomlinson Obituary
COLUMBIA The Rev. Paul Corbett Tomlinson, 68, an outstanding chaplain, died Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Richland Heart Hospital after a massive stroke.
Paul grew up in Columbia, attending Columbia public schools and graduating from the old Columbia High School. He was a 1968 graduate of Furman University and received his master of divinity degree in 1973 from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. One of his many friends, Nancy P. Brown, said of him, “Paul’s life was full of love and laughter and kindness and giving, but also one of standing up for his principles. He was a good man, a loyal friend, and lived his faith.”
Paul was a son of Velma Corbett Tomlinson of West Columbia and the late Otis C. Tomlinson. He was predeceased by his father and by his brother, the Rev. Dr. David Otis Tomlinson.
For many years, he was a chaplain at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. In recent years, he had been serving as a chaplain with Palmetto Health Hospital in Columbia. His ministry included visiting elderly patients and their families in the hospital’s senior centers.
In addition to his mother, Paul is survived by an aunt, Lexie Corbett of Marion, N.C.; first cousins Charles E. and Michael Corbett of Marion, N.C.; a first cousin, Dr. Redding I. Corbett III of Columbia; and a cousin, Judith Corbett Matthews. Other relatives also survive.
His colleagues will lead a funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, S.C. An interment service will be held in the near future.
It would be appropriate to honor Paul with memorials to Palmetto Health Hospital chaplaincy service, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Furman University or the charity of your choice.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tina N Martin
June 27, 2022
Paul Tomlinson is someone we'll always remember for both his compassion and his sense of humor. I took this picture of him in either 1969 or 1972, during a brief visit when we were talking about the musical "Oliver" and life on the streets of London and maybe even singing some of the songs the pickpockets sang with Nancy. We were also laughing a lot, and I commented that I liked his sense of humor because it was original, not canned. He said, "We can do something about that," and stepped into this garbage can. I'm not sure we had the concept of dumpster diving back then, but we did relate it to "Oliver" and the lyrics "Who cares if straightlaces sneer at us in the street? Those fine airs and fine graces don't have to sin to eat." But we did, in fact, have a sin-free dinner in a restaurant instead of from the can. I'm so sorry that Paul's life was cut short, but he certainly lived his life well and lives on in our memories.
Rev. Dr. Donna Butts
June 24, 2016
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Rev. Paul Tomlinson. Paul was someone who deeply impacted my life. I first met Paul when I interned at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. I continued to stay connected to him throughout the years. May he be forever in eternal peace and rest.
CHS Class of 1964 in 2014 Paul with Charles Poston
Tina Martin
July 17, 2015
Paul in 2014 at the CHS Reunion
Tina Martin
July 17, 2015
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Paul in 1969 at Mike Michaelski's home
Tina Martin
July 17, 2015
July 14, 2015
I will forever be indebted to you for love, support, encouragement, the joy and the laughter you gave me and the Dept of Spiritual Care, Washington Hospital Center. Chaplain Diane E. Hugger
July 12, 2015
Dear Tom, I have known you since 2004 at WHC. You're cheerful and inspiring. I was shocked when I heard your ending on this earth. You will be missed. Thank you so much for your wonderful works for the patients. May the Lord give you eternal peace and consolation and peace upon your family.
Sr. Daria Moon, SPC
July 10, 2015
Gone much too soon. A wonderful colleague and friend. Paul was a joy to work with. Patricia Martin-O'Meally
Rev. Robert A. Renix
July 6, 2015
I was saddened to hear the news about Paul. He was a wonderful clergy mentor and chaplain colleague. I had just spoken of how passionate he was the night before I heard this news. I walk the path he laid along with many others here at Saint Elizabeths Hospital.
Phyllis Cureton
July 6, 2015
Paul was a vessel of light as a Chaplain at Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC where he served for decades helping those with persistent and pervasive mental illness. He is still fondly remembered by some of the 'oldtimers.' I had the opportunity to get to know him as he shared his wealth of knowledge with chaplaincy training classes. To God be the glory for the lives Paul impacted and blessed in so many ways.
Sam Sweeney
July 5, 2015
Paul was a friend since kindergarden through high scool. His mom was my 3rd grade teacher, Saw Paul at the CHS class of 64 50th reunion last year and we planned to "do lunch," but that will have to wait now. God bless and speed.
Bill Higgins
July 5, 2015
All of us suffer psychic wounds at some point in life. Paul's remarkable gift was the empathy of a "wounded healer".
Add to that empathy an admixture of delightful humor, mix well with a faith in God's providence.
Bill Higgins, Furman Class of 1968
Cheryl Byrd Robbins
July 4, 2015
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Our families were friends at Park Street Baptist Church. Our mothers were good friends through many years. I thought so much of her. Our deepest sympathy to friends and family.
Linda West
July 4, 2015
A Candle of Love... . Dignity and Resoect...RIP...God Bless ...
Sandra Richardson
July 4, 2015
I met Paul when he was a student at SBTS and I was at U of L. I think I introduced Paul T. to Takoma Park Baptist Church and Paul Gillespie. Anyhow, I will take that credit because it was an excellent match. And I notice Paul Howard was one of the first to sign this guest book. The 3 Pauls of TPBC so we usually called Paul Tomlinson Paul T! Paul was a rare person and a rare pastoral presence. May there be more men and women like him! Rev. Sandra Richardson
Rev. Paul Gillespie
July 4, 2015
Paul T came right from seminary to work as one of our associate ministers a Takoma Park Baptist Church in Washington, DC. He was unique in so many ways that appealed to the young and uncanny in his ability to identify with the vulnerable. His radical commitment to social justice and inclusive community was a model and inspiration to us all. My hair was more tradition while Paul T wore his blonde hair long and flowing. One Sunday when he was on vacation, a little went home from church to be asked by her Dad how church went. She said, "Well, God was there, but Jesus was on vacation!" There was so much about Paul that spoke to us of the radical love of Jesus and we loved him for it.
July 4, 2015
Paul and I served together as pastors at Takoma Park Baptist Church in Washington, DC, for a number years. I had a regular haircut but he wore his blond hair long. One Sunday when returning home from church, a father asked his daughter what happened in church that morning, a day when Paul T was on vacation. She replied, "Well, God was there, but Jesus was not there." There was so much about Paul T to remind us of Jesus. We loved him.
Paul Howard
July 4, 2015
Deepest sympathies sending thoughts and prayers, Paul Howard
Cherry Hamilton
July 4, 2015
Paul, dear Paul,the lives you lovingly and compassionately touched while in this life were just the right amount of love God wants us to show our brothers and sisters. Thank you for being this kind of man. I'm proud to have known such a person, and to call you friend. Peace to you and your family and friends.
Lynn Snipes young
July 4, 2015
From elementary school thru high school, I will always love you and admire you as a man of love and compassion . Lynn Snipes Young
Vallerie King
July 4, 2015
II was deeply saddened when I learned of Rev. Tomlinson's death. He served as an Associate Pastor at Takoma Park Baptist Church on Washington D C during the time my family and I were member.
Paul loved and ministered to the least of our society. He fought for social justice for all. He was a modern day Amos. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to his mother, family and friends. I am so deeply sorry for your loss,
The Rev. Vallerie F. King
Louise Taylor
July 4, 2015
Pearline Belk and family send our sincerest sympathy. He was so very kind to our family.
Margie Hollis Oswald
July 3, 2015
My sincere sympathy to all of Paul's family. Paul and I went to Park Street Baptist Chuch together and all through school. It was so good to see him at our 50th CHS Reunion. In all the missing years he was still the friendly, sweet loving guy I remembered. May your memories and Gods blessing always be with you!
Rev. & Mrs. Dalton D Downs
July 3, 2015
Paul was my co-worker, colleague and friend for over twenty years as we worked together at the National Institute of Health (St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washingotn, DC). He was highly admired and respected by all. May he rest in eternal peace.
Bobby Riley
July 3, 2015
Velma and Family, I have so many memories of growing up at Park St. with Paul. We had some great times in RA's , Choir, SS and Training Union. So sorry for your loss but He is in the arms of our Lord along with Otis and David. My sympathy and prayers to you all.
Paul with friends in 1969
Tina Martin
July 3, 2015
I knew Paul at Columbia High School in the early 1960s. In 1964 he won the Bill Gouldelock Scholarship, the highest award given to a high school senior--the one whose character nobody else surpassed! But in the following years, Paul's character evolved, and he became an even better person--one with a social consciousness. He was fun, and he was kind. I'll remember him as a person who lived life fully.
Paul at his home in D.C. in 1972
Tina Martin
July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015
My sincere sympathy to Paul's family.
May he rest in peace.
Ann Wall
Marjorie Middleton Harris
July 3, 2015
You lived a life true to your calling. I'll miss you and your friendship.
Gwen Greenwalt
July 3, 2015
Fly like an eagle, Paul. Working with you at St. Elizabeth's changed my life and your friendship is everlasting. My heartfelt sympathy to all family members. Grace, love and peace, Gwen
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
Make a Donation
in Paul Tomlinson's name
How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Paul Tomlinson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
