The Visionary

The Late Elder Kevin T. Thomas
02/20/1963 - 03/10/2016

Manager, Funeral Director & Embalmer

Kevin T. Thomas was born on February 20, 1963 in Dillon, South Carolina. He slipped into eternity on March 10, 2016. Kevin was a lifelong resident of Dillon. He dedicated his life to serving and loving people and helping to make Dillon, the State of South Carolina, our nation, and the world better for all.

Kevin began his faith walk early. Growing up as a member of St. Stephens United Methodist Church, he sang in the youth and young adult choirs, he was an usher, and he served the church in numerous other rolls. Kevin continued to grow and mature in his faith as a member and Trustee of the Open Door Community Church, under the leadership of Revered Ricky and Mary Beth Rogers.

Graduating from Dillon High School in 1980, Kevin Continued his education at the University of South Carolina, where he majored in Business Administration. It was during his time as a student at USC that he decided to pursue a career as a mortician. Kevin connected with E. Perry Palmer, owner of Johnson’s Funeral Home in Columbia and started to learn about the profession. With Palmer as his mentor, Kevin made the decision to one day own a funeral home. He later entered Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service, Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Gupton Jones, he returned to Columbia and served as an apprentice under E. Perry Palmer at Palmer Memorial Chapel and he apprenticed at J.P Holley Funeral Home. Kevin returned to Dillon in 1987 and gained additional experience under William Penn Troy of Troy’s Funeral Home, Mullins, South Carolina. He opened his own funeral home, April 3, 1989, with the assistance of his parents and family. He lived his dream of serving grieving families and his community for 27 years as owner of The House of Thomas.

An avid supported of education, Kevin established the Theo M. Thomas Memorial Scholarship, in memory of his aunt, Theo M. Thomas, a Dillon educator. The Theo M. Thomas Scholarship has assisted Dillon County students pursuing higher education degrees for over 25 years.

Kevin lived a life of service and commitment. He was involved in numerous religious, professional, civic and community organizations. He served as chairman of the McLeod Dillon Advisory Board, Dillon County Chamber of Commerce, and past president of the Dillon Rotary Club. He was a member of the Florence Alumni Chapter of Kappa alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He previously served as Polemarch of his chapter. Kevin was a member of the Sixth District Morticians Association and the South Carolina Morticians Association where he served as Vice President. Kevin was also a member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association and Epsilon Nu Delta Mortician Fraternity.