Thomas Edward Trammell

Thomas Edward Trammell, 58, died March 9, 2023.

Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of Ed and Virginia Coggins Trammell.

Tom, or Tommy as he was forever known by longtime friends, valued every person who crossed his path and treated them as valued. His favorite question for a friend in need was, “How can I help?” He was a generous soul, with an unforgettable smile, a genuine warmth and an unmatched zest for life. Tom never missed a chance to make memories, whether at a sporting event or a concert, a hike to a waterfall or a spontaneous trip to the beach, a boat ride on a lake or trip down a mountain on skis. Though his earthly life ended far too soon, his friends and loved ones know that many have lived much longer but few have lived more fully.

He was passionate not simply about life, but also about liberty and the freedoms we enjoy as a country.

Above all, Tom was a man of deep faith – he attended Elevation Church – and a man of deep love for his family.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a son, Thomas Austin Trammell and wife, Holly; daughter, Hannah Witt and husband, Jonah; brothers, Michael Anderson, Joseph Anderson, and Matthew Anderson; and sister, Rosemary Trammell.

Tom was greatly anticipating the birth of his first grandchild in June. We’re so blessed that he was able to be there for Hannah and Jonah’s gender reveal. It’s a girl! We will make sure she knows all about her granddad, through the memories we share.

Tom grew up in Spartanburg, SC, making friends easily and cultivating that passion for life that never left him. He graduated in 1983 from Dorman High School, where he lettered in baseball as a pitcher and second baseman. He loved the game and played for the Inman American Legion team.

He attended Clemson University, graduating in 1987. He was forever a Tiger, often attending Clemson football, baseball and basketball games, at home and on the road. While at Clemson he majored in Administrative Management, but his job as a sports writer for The Tiger student newspaper was his passion. He served as the paper’s sports editor, which led to his first job out of college with The Oconee Leader. He subsequently worked for the Anderson Independent Mail, The Gwinnett Daily News and the Greenville News.

Tom moved into the insurance business in the mid-90s, working for Aflac. Later, he started his own company called Best Benefits. He also worked in real estate, started a landscaping business and pursued several other entrepreneurial ventures, approaching each with his boundless enthusiasm and unwavering optimism.

Over the last decade, he found fulfillment in helping persons with hearing loss, first at Sam’s Club and then for two other local businesses; however, he was convinced that delivering these services to the customer in their home was the best option. He developed the concept into the Hear at Home Mobile Hearing Clinics and often shared stories of the blessings he received when he helped someone hear again. He approached each person not as a client, but as a new friend. In the past two years Tom had come into his own as an entrepreneur, expanding his impact from the Upstate to the coast of South Carolina.

Fortunately for many, Tom’s business ventures always led him to meet people, many of whom became friends. His smile was the first thing you noticed, but his selflessness and willingness to help were the things you remembered. While he could pass for Tom Cruise at a costume party, he was the person who would show up to change a tire if you needed him. He loved and served unconditionally, never expecting anything in return.

Though his family and friends will miss him every day, we are comforted in knowing that Tom loved Jesus and lived out his faith each day, making life better us and so many others along the way.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at The JM Dunbar Funeral Home. There will be a second visitation on Friday, April 14th at Fellowship Greenville from 3:00 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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