Thomas Davis Wingard

1947 - 2021

Thomas Davis Wingard, 74, resident of Lexington, SC, husband of Gloria Wilson Wingard, passed away Monday, October 25, 2021 peacefully at his home with Gloria by his side. Thomas left an indelible mark on all those he met with his love for life, quick wit, flair for storytelling, tender heart and gift of making friends everywhere he went.

Born January 29, 1947 in Greenwood, SC, he was the son of the late "Dr. Joe" and Tommie Wingard. He was a 1965 graduate of Greenwood High School where he lettered in football, track and basketball and was co-captain of the 1964 football team. Thomas signed an athletic scholarship to play football at the University of South Carolina where he started every game as an offensive lineman for the Gamecocks until his career was cut short after injuries his junior year. He remained on scholarship and continued to contribute to Gamecock football as a recruiter. Forever dedicated to Carolina football, Thomas was a lifetime member of the Carolina Alumni Association, lifetime member of the USC Letterman's Association as well as a member of the Gamecock Club for fifty-two consecutive years. While at USC, Thomas was also a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, served as President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and President of his Senior class.

Upon graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Pharmacy in 1970, Thomas returned to Greenwood as a civic leader and served as Mayor from 1974-1986. In January of 1980, on the front page of the business section of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Thomas and the town of Greenwood were recognized as "The Belle of the Industrial Ball". Working with state and private developers, Thomas attracted six major manufacturing plants to the area. Thomas was honorably bestowed The Order of The Palmetto by Governor Dick Riley in grateful recognition for his interest in and friendship to the State of South Carolina and designated him a Palmetto Gentleman in 1986. During his tenure as Mayor of Greenwood he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the National League of Cities, Conference of Mayors. Also as Mayor, he was instrumental in the Uptown Revitalization Project that included the train track removal and beautification of Uptown Greenwood. Thomas and Bill Stevens became co-founding organizers of Greenwood National Bank in 1987, later becoming Capital Bank. Thomas was also one of the founders of the Greenwood Economic Alliance, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for all Greenwood citizens. In his business career, Thomas was a Real Estate Broker, operating his own real estate and development company as well as Wingard Construction, and obtained his CCIM designation. Following in his father's footsteps, Thomas continued the pharmacy tradition by opening his own pharmacy, Greenwood Pharmacy, and later Westside Pharmacy before taking over Wingard's Pharmacy where he continued to serve the Greenwood community until his retirement.

Thomas was known to all as "larger than life." He was fortunate to have many great friends who he loved and respected as brothers. Loved by his daughter's friends, he spanned all generations. Thomas was a mentor to many and, always the charmer, he made everyone feel special. Thomas enjoyed traveling, fishing and, along with wife Gloria, delighted in hosting friends and family at parties on Folly Beach where he could be found on the dance floor or singing along with the band. Saturdays were dedicated to Carolina football, a regular armchair coach. With a green thumb in his blood, he loved working in his yard, cultivating his plants and vegetables. Barbequing was considered a favorite hobby, but nothing compared to the love he had for his children and his adoration of his grandchildren. He took great pride in their accomplishments and never missed out on a chance to spend time with them.

Beloved husband and father, his memory will be cherished by his wife, Gloria and four daughters: Laura Wingard and Bryan Hoce of Greenwood, SC and her daughter, Haley; Mary and Harriss Cottingham of Greenville, SC and their children, Walker, Mary Hampton and Crosby; Bennett and Michael Brown of Rice Lake, WI and their children Ellison and Landon; Davis and Aaron LaDeau of Lexington, SC and their children Eason, Thomas and Emma. He is also survived by his nephews, Joe and David Wingard and his niece Katherine Sherman. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ted and Gaile Wingard of Jacksonville, FL.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life drop-in to remember and commemorate Thomas on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at the Letterman's Lounge inside Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC between 4pm - 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Thomas, the family asks that you support your local businesses and give back to your community.

For online condolences, please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

Blyth Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Wingard family.