Thomas Drew

Thomas Elmond Drew MULLINS - Thomas Elmond Drew was laid to rest on November 24, 2017 at Reedy Creek Cemetery in a private burial. The Reverend Dr. David C. Bult, a long time friend of the family, comforted and celebrated with them through memories throughout the past 50 years. Mr. Drew died on November 22, 2017 surrounded by his family in the McLeod Hospice House. Mr. Drew was born in Charleston, SC on March 13, 1925 to the late Carrie Mabel Snipes Drew and Boyd Frank Drew. After the death of his father in 1939, his Uncle Clyde Snipes brought his mother and her three young children to Marion County, where he lived out his life. Mr. Drew proudly served our country in WWII in the US Army 10th Mountain Division at the invasion of Italy. Upon returning home, he married his wife of 68 years, Susan Juanita (Wanda) Smith and raised three daughters. Mr. Drew created and operated Drew Brothers Inc., where he was in business with his beloved brother, Frank Wilson Drew. He was an advocate for education as he served on the Board of Trustees for Rains School District and was a founding father of Pee Dee Academy. He served as Chairman of the Board and diligently worked for the Golden Eagle family. He also served as a deacon of Ariel Baptist Church. Mr. Drew is survived by his wife Wanda; his three daughters; Wallis (Mike) Barnes of Lexington, Candace (John) Knox of Columbia, and April (Danny) Shelley of Mullins; and four grandchildren Michael (Erica) Barnes of Lexington, Marc (Beth) Barnes of Lexington, Drew Shelley of Columbia and Caroline Shelley of Charleston. He also has four great-grand daughters. He was predeceased by his brother Frank Wilson Drew and a sister Annabelle Drew Smith. Mr. Drew put God and family above everything. His love of family was demonstrated throughout the years in caring for his uncle, mother and sister. He will be missed by his family, but as he always reminded them, "I will wait for you at Heaven's gate." The family ask that any memorials be made to Pee Dee Academy PO Box 449, Mullins, SC 292574 and McLeod Hospice House at 1203 Cheves Street, Florence SC, 29506 An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net.