Thomas Wayne Walpool

AIKEN, SC - Thomas Wayne Walpool was born in Nashville Tennessee on April 14, 1935 to the late William Thomas Walpool, Jr and Edna Coleman Walpool.

    Tom graduated from the University of Alabama with a Master’s degree in speech pathology. In 1963, he relocated his family to Greenville, SC and began a 30 year career as the Executive Director of the Speech Hearing and Learning Center. During his tenure, he was President of the S.C. Speech, Language & Hearing Association, instrumental in establishing Head Start in Greenville & Pickens Counties, founder & past president of Greenville Association for Directors of Social & Health Agencies. Tom established & managed the only hearing/service dog program in the state which serves hearing & physically impaired persons. Among others, his most prominent awards include Communication First Award, Frank R. Kleffner Clinical Career Award & the ASHA Ace Award.

     After moving from Greenville to Hilton Head Island in 1993 to semi retire, Tom continued his career as a speech pathologist with Beaufort County Schools.

     To be closer to his children, Tom & Joyce moved to Aiken, SC in 2005 to retire. Tom was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as a Stephen Minister & Chairman of Church Life

     Tom is survived by his wife, Joyce of 63 years, 3 children, Suzanne Freed of Greenville, Gwynne Sanford & Tom Walpool, Jr. of Spartanburg, 6 grandchildren Eric, Julie, Scott, Bret, Hannah & Ellie and one great granddaughter, Gabby.

     Tom passed away peacefully at home on Jan 17, 2021 with his family by his side. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Rd., Aiken, SC 29803.

A private funeral service will be held Monday, January 25^th at 2 o’clock at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aiken.  The service will be livestreamed at https://www.stpaullc.net/live-broadcast

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC