Edward L. Thomas, Jr. Endowed Scholarship

Born in Abbeville, SC, Edward Thomas was a graduate of Abbeville High School, the College of Charleston (where he graduated cum laude with a B.S. in chemistry in 1976 and was a member of the ATO fraternity) and MUSC’s College of Dental Medicine. After graduating he opened Edward L. Thomas, Jr. D.M.D. Family Dentistry in Anderson in 1980. He was a member of the South Carolina Dental Association, the Tri-County Dental Association, the Anderson Better Business Bureau, and a member of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Thomas served as President of the Anderson Country Club, Secretary of the T.L. Hanna Booster Club Board, and he was a faithful member of St. John’s UMC of Anderson where he served as President of the Men’s Club. At the time of his death in 2016 he was serving his second term on the Board of Trustees at the College of Charleston. He was an avid golfer and collected classic cars, primarily Camaros.

Dr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Susan Buck Thomas and their three children: Edward Loyless Thomas III (wife Catherine Leigh Thomas, grandson Brockman Loyless Thomas) of Anderson, Sarah E. Thomas Brown ‘13 (husband Marlin Joe Brown) of Lugoff, and William Buck Thomas of Greenville.

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for students who have declared an interest in a traditional science-based major with the intent to pursue a career in the healthcare field with an emphasis on patient engagement. Students must demonstrate financial need, as determined by the office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs. The scholarship is renewable as long as the student remains in good academic standing, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Preference is for a freshman recipient.