Thomas Frederick Seebode

South Carolina, Hopkins - Col. Thomas Frederick Seebode (US Air Force Ret), 77, entered into rest Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at his home. Born November 7, 1937 in Memphis, TN, he was the son of the late Verney and Kathleen (Wiggins) Seebode. He graduated in 1955 from Messick High School in Memphis and went on to graduate from the US Air Force Academy in 1960. Col. Seebode served 26 years in the US Air Force as an officer and pilot. He served as a Forward Air Controller during the Vietnam War and earned numerous military honors including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one device, as well as the Bronze Star. He later earned his doctorate from the University of Alabama and then taught at Troy University in Sumter, SC. He was active in his church and enjoyed mentoring youth in educational opportunities, flying, traveling, fly fishing and tying flies. He was married for more than 55 years to his childhood sweetheart, Carole (Gifford) Seebode of Memphis, TN, the daughter of George Robert and Elizabeth Gifford. He was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer. He is survived by four grandchildren; two sisters, Kay (Seebode) Robinson, and Gail (Seebode) Evans; a sister-in-law, Melissa (Gifford) Hallstrom; and four nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2015. Inurnment will be held at the US Air Force Academy cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be sent to either the USAFA Endowment Fund or to the Building Fund at Lebanon UMC. His full obituary with contact details is available at http://www.thompsonsfuneral.com/obituaries/Thomas-Seebode/. Family and friends may sign online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com Thompson Funeral Home At Greenlawn Memorial Park 803-776-1092