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Thomas Leo Charlson Pawleys Island Thomas Leo Charlson was born August 3, 1952 and passed away April 17, 2019. Tom was an exemplary family man. He loved bringing family together for festive occasions, elaborate meals, and good times. Tom provided unyielding love and support to his family and will be missed dearly. The son of Lucile Whitted Charlson and Leo Charlson, Tom was born and raised in Asheville, NC. He was an industrious young man and kept out of trouble with a paper route and grocery bagging position at Ingles #1. Tom chose to attend North Georgia Military College for the discipline. Upon graduation, Tom joked he was afforded two options: move back to Asheville and sell tires at Sears or join the Army. He chose the latter, much to the surprise of his fellow classmates. He intended to fly helicopters. During his physical exam, Tom learned he was colorblind. When asked what his second choice was, a charitable recruit offered, “I heard the Engineers are good.” In October of 1974, Tom was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He retired as a Colonel and veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He graduated from Ranger School and the National War College. He was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Itschner Award for the most outstanding U.S. Army Engineer Company in 1981. At Ft. Lewis, Washington he commanded the “Pacemakers” of the 864th Combat Heavy Engineer Battalion. Tom’s brigade command sent him to Camp Zama, Japan where he went on to lead the Japan Engineer District. Tom’s final post came in “Patton’s Own” 3rd Army where he served as the Chief Engineer for operations in the Middle East. His most valuable and fun assignment was his first – At Ft. Stewart, Georgia he met his “Band of Brothers”, and they remained great friends until the very end. Throughout his career, he mentored countless officers and soldiers and sincerely loved his country. After retiring from the Army, Tom continued to serve. He became a Federal Security Director for the Department of Homeland Security and settled in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. Tom enjoyed the friendships he made with TSA colleagues, airport volunteers, and his neighbors. His community “At the Beach” provided him great fun, fellowship, and unwavering support. Some might think an officer of his stature would live and breathe the military life, but that was not always the case. You were more likely to catch Tom watching a VH1, Behind the Music, about an 80s metal band than the History Channel. When Tom wasn’t playing guitar or mandolin, he enjoyed golf, boating, and Georgia Bulldog football. Tom remained an inspiring father and devoted husband. He was introduced to his beloved wife Mary Anne by his sister Carolyn in Hartwell, Georgia. The two fell fast in love and were married shortly thereafter. Their love would take them across the world. From Huntsville, Alabama to Camp Zama, Japan the two were inseparable. They were a perfect pair, and Tom knew it. Throughout their 36 years of marriage, he set a remarkable example of what a husband should be. Together, they taught both of their sons the importance of love, an honest work ethic, friendly competition, and the value of a good education. Tom approached his fight with cancer like every obstacle he faced – with vigor. He was a loyal husband, father, friend, and grandfather. Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; sons, Jake (wife, Hamilton) and Mark (wife, Emily); grandchildren, Davis and Audrey; sister; Carolyn (husband, Phil), and brother; Steve (wife, Mary Jane). He is preceded in death by his mother, Lucile Whitted Charlson and father, Leo Charlson. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smith Medical Clinic, 116 Baskervill Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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Thomas Leo Charlson

August 3, 1952 - April 17, 2019