Rev. Thomas Byars Wilkes, Jr.

Thomas Byars Wilkes, Jr. passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 26, 2025, with his family at his bedside. He was born December 31, 1935, in Clifton, SC to Reverend Thomas Byars Wilkes, Sr. and Lura Nell Babb Wilkes and was raised in Chester, SC along with his sister, Carolyn. He graduated from Byrnes High School in Duncan, SC and Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Tom met his wife, Molly Mallory at Emory University in the fall of 1958 while he was a seminary student at Candler School of Theology at Emory and Molly an undergraduate at Emory University. They married in June 1960 in Atlanta, Georgia at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. 

Tom was proud of his heritage as a fourth-generation Methodist pastor, his three children continuing his legacy in ministry, and his relationship with Alston Wilkes Society started by his uncle. Tom began his ministry in Fort Lawn, S.C. serving four country churches and continued to serve as an Elder in the SC Conference of the United Methodist Church for 42 years. Molly and Tom celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this past June. Tom’s love for Molly grew even deeper as he experienced her love and faithfulness in the last years of his life after his strokes. One of Tom’s greatest attributes was the way he loved others, offering the gift of presence and compassion, even in his last days at the nursing home. Tom loved his three children and their spouses, his eleven grandchildren and one great-grandbaby with all of his heart. He started every visit with his children, “Tell me about your family,” and ended his day praying for each member of his family by name. One of his favorite things was gathering around his family singing hymns and sharing stories. Tom left a beautiful legacy to his children and grandchildren passing on his love for God, the church, family, golf, tennis, ping pong, Wofford and fishing. 

He is survived by his wife, Molly, his sister, Carolyn, his children Pam (Todd) of Greenville, SC, Tommy (Meg) Clemson, SC, Angie (Rob) Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Sidney Attaway, Ashley Garrison (Zach), Luke Wilkes (Vanessa), Sofia Wilkes, Alston Gage (Mary Alice), Noah Attaway, Stephen Gage, Lydia Wilkes, Laura Gage, Hannah Grace Attaway, and Mary Liz Gage; great grandchild, Evy Joy Gage; great grandchildren to come Finley Garrison and Sophie Attaway. 

The family will receive friends from 11:00 – 12:15 pm, Monday, March 3, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 233 N. Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29306.  

A Celebration of Life will begin at 12:30, in the sanctuary, conducted by the Rev. Cameron Treece. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Tom may be made to Central United Methodist Church or a charity of your choosing.