Thomas Leo Charlson

Pawleys Island - Thomas Leo Charlson was born August 3, 1952 and passed away April 17, 2019. Tom was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina and spent many wonderful years there throughout his childhood.

Tom attended and graduated from North Georgia Military College. In October of 1974, Tom was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He retired as a Colonel and veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He graduated from Ranger School and the National War College. He was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Itschner Award for the most outstanding U.S. Army Engineer Company in 1981. He commanded the 864th Combat Heavy Engineer Battalion and the Japan Engineer District.

After retiring from the Army, Tom became a Federal Security Director for the Department of Homeland Security and settled in Pawley's Island, South Carolina. In retirement Tom enjoyed playing guitar and mandolin, golfing, boating, and Georgia Bulldog football.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; sons, Jake (wife, Hamilton) and Mark (wife, Emily); grandchildren, Davis and Audrey; sister; Carolyn (husband, Phil), and brother; Steve (wife, Mary Jane). He is preceded in death by his mother, Lucile Whitted Charlson and father, Leo Charlson.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church in Pawleys Island, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smith Medical Clinic, 116 Baskervill Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Apr. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Charlson

Sponsored by Goldfinch Funeral Home - Beach Chapel - Murrells Inlet.

12 Entries

Sally Bolemon

April 16, 2020

Wow I can't believe it has been a year since Tommy's passing. i still can honestly say he was one of my very favorite personalities at North Georgia. I will continue to embrace the wonderful memories we shared with so many friends. Mary Ann I hope you and your family are doing well. When in Hartwell please visit. I would love to share stories. Take care.

Linda Lott

October 6, 2019

I am preparing a presentation of all deceased members of the 1974 class from North Georgia College. Col. Charlson is included. I can find no picture of him in a yearbook. If you would like a picture included please email me one. If you would prefer an image of Price Memorial steeple then that is ok. I read his obituary and I know you are proud of his accomplishments. We will miss him at the 45th reunion. I and all the class are proud to have graduated in his class.

Douglas Bullard

May 14, 2019

Dear Mary Ann,

I am so sorry to hear about Tom. I will always remember our time together in Hawaii as company commanders in the 65th Engineer Battalion. Tom was an awesome commander and always set the standard for the rest of us. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time of loss.

April 30, 2019

Losing someone that we love never comes easy.
It is truly heartbreaking. May God's promises in
Isaiah 65:17 comfort and help you.

Alan and Elfriede Johnson

April 25, 2019

Dear Mary Ann and family, We were so sorry to hear that Tom passed away. We can't begin to express our sadness for you. I t was indeed an honor and pleasure to have the brief opportunity to serve with you and Tom in Japan. You and your wonderful family remain in our prayers. Take care Alan and Elfriede Johnson

Wayne Williams - USMC

April 24, 2019

Thanks for your service Soldier !!!
Wayne Williams
United States Marine Corps

Sally Bolemon

April 23, 2019

Tommy and I shared a lot of memories at North Georgia College. I was so impressed with his life accomplishments and I was so saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family and know how much he meant to our North Georgia College Family.

April 22, 2019

May your cherished memories and God's promise at John 6:40 bring you a measure of peace and comfort during this most difficult time. I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Linda