To The Editor:
He was quiet and soft-spoken. He didn’t make much of a fuss. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was the “Water Man.” I think he knew everybody, and it certainly seems that everyone knew him. He was not only my co-worker, but my friend.
Tommy was the type of guy that was just easy to talk to. He was friendly and caring. A jokester at times, he loved to laugh and have fun. He was a hard worker and dependable, usually the first person to work and the last to leave. Many people will recall his easy demeanor and his Southern drawl, and the sun visor he wore every day. They’ll remember him riding around on a golf cart as he checked water meters through all types of weather. They’ll remember him taking their payments or solving their water problems at the Water Department window. Some will remember him on the lawn mower as he cared for their yards or did other odd jobs to be helpful. That’s the main word I can use to describe Tommy: helpful. He had the biggest heart! If he could help you, he would.
Every person I’ve spoken with since his passing has had nothing but good things to say about him, from residents to business owners. I even had a former business owner contact me when he heard the sad news. He said he’d thought a lot of Tommy, who had done some work for him in the past. He was saddened to not see any type of write up in the paper. That’s what spurred me to write this. I believe he deserves more than just a brief mention.
Although he lived in North Carolina, he worked here in Dillon, SC for over 20 years. That’s a long time to get to know someone. Spending 8+ hours a day with someone, 7 days a week, you get close. They cross the lines from co-worker to friend, to family. He was like the brother I never had. He was a best friend to my husband, and Mr. Tommy to my children. He was just an all-around good person, and he will be missed.
The City of Dillon was blessed to have such a person on the payroll. We’ll never be able to replace him. My husband and I were blessed to have such a person in our lives, a true friend; our brother from another mother. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family. We, his working family, will mourn his loss along with you. Rest in Peace. We love you.
Lynn & Geno Bowman
1536 W. Main Ext.
Dillon, SC 29536