Linn Shecut Tompkins Jr.

COLUMBIA — Dr. Linn Shecut Tompkins Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, known to many as “Dr. T,” passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2010. His sharp wit, engaging stories and exuberant personality will be greatly missed by his family and legion of patients and friends.
 
Born February 23, 1933, Dr. Tompkins was educated in Columbia’s A.C. Moore Elementary School, Hand Junior High School and graduated from Columbia High School. After attending the University of South Carolina for only three years, he was accepted to the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force as a captain in the dental corps and was stationed in Plattsburg, N.Y. After his honorable discharge, Dr. Tompkins attended Temple University School of Dentistry and earned his master’s degree in orthodontics in 1963.
 
He returned to Columbia later that year and joined an established orthodontic practice until he opened his own office on Devine Street in January 1966. His practice quickly grew as a result of his charming personality and excellent technical skills. He soon expanded to Middleburg Drive in 1971 and the practice remained there for almost 30 years. In January 1989, his son, Sims, joined his practice and the two continued to work and treat patients together until Dr. Tompkins’ retirement in 1997.
 
Dr. Tompkins held many offices and was a member of many dental and orthodontic associations including: the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, the Greater Columbia Dental Association and the Academy of Dentistry International. He served on the South Carolina State Board of Dentistry from 1980-1986 and volunteered at the Richland County Children’s Clinic during his many years in practice.
 
Of the many awards and accomplishments that Dr. Tompkins had amassed over the years, he was most proud of the fact that he was the first orthodontist certified by the American Board of Orthodontics in the Columbia area. The Southern Association of Orthodontists honored him by awarding him the very first Citizenship Award, an award given to recognize community activities that enhance the good public image of orthodontics.
 
Dr. Tompkins was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and a supporter of its religious and educational ministries including the church, Saint Joseph School and Cardinal Newman School. He was a member of Forest Lake Club, the Tarantella Club, the Flamenco Club, the South Carolina Ball, Richland Sertoma Club and Executive Sertoma Club.
 
Dr. Tompkins had many and various hobbies and interests over the years from flying to photography. He loved all sports and coached basketball for many years in the Columbia Interfaith League and served as president of the Palmetto Baseball League. He enjoyed woodworking as an indoor hobby, but Dr. Tompkins loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, an occasional hunter and an accomplished golfer who shot his age or better on several occasions during the past several years.
 
Dr. Tompkins was blessed with a large and loving family.
 
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Linda Caines Tompkins; children, Richard Sims Tompkins (Libby), Cynthia Tompkins Willcox (Whit), Charles Boyle Tompkins, Joseph Paulling Tompkins (Sally) and Paige Tompkins Bagwell; his daughter-in-law, Myda Rogers Tompkins; his sister, Virginia Tompkins McLaurin (Roy); sister-in-law, Jean Caines Gilmore (Alex); grandchildren, Richard Sims Tompkins Jr., Margaret Paulling Tompkins, William Rush Tompkins, Marian Rogers Tompkins, Jace Tompkins Bagwell, Patrick Devereux Tompkins, Joseph Griffith Tompkins, Mary Josephine Tompkins, Anna Paige Bagwell, Lynn Marie Tompkins, Virginia May Tompkins, Charles Boyle Tompkins Jr. and Elizabeth Shecut Tompkins; and five nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Linn S. “Jiggs” Tompkins III.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Final Commendation and Farewell Prayers in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service at the residence. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cardinal Newman School, 4701 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine St., Columbia, SC 29205.
 
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.