Thomas Earle

Thomas P. Earle, 81, of 359 Earle Road died Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at his residence.
Born in Central, he was the son of the late Judge Walter Truman and Laura Toccoa Earle. Thomas graduated from Clemson University in 1956 and completed his Masters Degree in 1964. He began his teaching in Denmark, SC and after two years returned to Central and began his tenure with the Pickens County School District. He served for thirty years as a teacher, principal and Director of Elementary Education. Thomas was a member of many school associations including the National Academy of School Executives, the SC Association of School Administrators, a former president of the Pickens County School Administrators and was named as the South Carolina Administrator of the Year in 1980. He was designated as a Centennial Outstanding Graduate by the Clemson University College of Education in 1989. He was also active in many civic organizations including the Lions Club and was a member of First Baptist Church of Central.
Surviving are his wife, Joyce Blume Perry Earle of the home; two sons, Walter Floyd Earle and wife, Lisa of Kenly, NC and Marcus Paul Earle and wife, Jackie of Simpsonville, SC; one daughter, Laura Lynn Truitt and husband, Lee of Greenville, SC; a brother, Edward Benson Earle and wife, Sara of McBee, SC; a sister, Edith Earle Hellams of Camden, SC; seven grandchildren, Katie Sullivan and husband, Scott, Abigail Anna Earle, Hannah McGuire Earle, Elizabeth Anne Earle, Allison Ivey Truitt, Benson Earle Truitt and Mary Katherine Truitt; two great-grandchildren, Annah Claire Sullivan and Elizabeth Stone Sullivan.
Thomas was predeceased by his wives, Kate Purcell Earle and Christine Davis Earle; brothers, Joe Berry Earle and wife, Floride, Wilton "Stokey" Lawrence Earle and wife Edaline, George Baker Earle; sisters, Clara Porter Earle, Jessie Earle Houk and husband, Larry Houk, Sr. and Claudia Lois Earle.
Thomas was buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Central.