Thomas James Shytle

Thomas James Shytle, 93, of Blacksburg, SC, passed away on December 22, 2025 at Palmetto Patriots Home in Gaffney, SC. Born July 12, 1932 in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late Thomas William Shytle and Julia Johnson Shytle. He was also preceded in death by his son, Thomas James Shytle, Jr., sisters Christina Juanita Shytle Tallon and Faye Evelyn Shytle Humphries Henson, and son-in-law Dick Landmesser.

As a child, Tom always wanted to fly planes and he channeled that into a life-defining career of dedicated and honorable service to his country with the US Air Force. After retirement, he kept busy by picking up painting. He went on to illustrate innumerable gorgeous landscapes inspired by the American frontier. He tried his hand at writing and became a published author with his work Carolina Roots: From Whence I Came. Tom was also a proud member of the American Legion and the White Plains Shrine Club. He enjoyed old Western movies, his favorite being the all-time classic Shane. Tom's close friends Jim Payne, Jake McFee, Steve Coulson and Lafayette Pearson considered themselves a band of brothers and accompanied each other on trips out west to Colorado and Wyoming. These treasured journeys inspired many of his landscape paintings. In his later years at Palmetto Patriots Home, he impacted many lives for Christ through teaching a weekly Bible study.

Tom was a dedicated patriarch and deeply proud of his family. He was a doting husband to the love of his life, Mildred. he fell in love with her at first sight and they went on to share a strong union for 63 years. He was a caring father to his three children. His legacy of honor, patriotism, and answering the call of duty will serve as an exemplary guide for those he leaves behind and for generations to come.

SURVIVORS: Daughters: Leesa Shytle Landmesser of Blacksburg, SC and Maria Shytle Painter (Mike) of Gaffney, SC

Grandchildren: Holly Jai Shytle, Richard Alan Landmesser II (Robyn), Travis James Landmesser, and James Michael Painter II

Great-grandchildren: Richard "Tripp" Alan Landmesser III, Rosalee Alice Landmesser, and Millie Jo Landmesser

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Ollie Harris Memorial Chapel with Reverends Vernon Craig and Jimmy Maney officiating

VISITATION: Saturday, December 27, 2025 prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M. in the Parlor of Harris Funeral Home

INTERMENT: Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA