Tec Dowling

Thomas E Dowling
MURRELLS INLET - Thomas Edward Calhoun Dowling (TEC) of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2009, after a long and valiant battle against cancer. Mr. Dowling was born June 24, 1947, in Mullins, South Carolina. He was the son of the late James Harry and Sarah Lane Dowling.

Mr. Dowling is survived by his wife, Tippy Dowling; one son, Eddie, wife Kelli, two granddaughters Abby and Emma Dowling of Fort Mill; two daughters, Krissy Larson, husband Chris of Myrtle Beach and Kelsey Dowling of Fort Mill; sister Sarah Lane Norton, husband Ronnie of Murrells Inlet, and brother, Joe Dowling, wife Kathy of Garden City; and many other family and friends who will miss him.

Mr. Dowling received a Bachelor of Science degree from Pembroke State University and a Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees from the University of South Carolina. His teaching career began at Blenheim Elementary School and continued at Clio High School where he also served as coach of both boys and girls basketball teams and football team. Mr. Dowling's career carried him through successive positions as assistant principal of Butler High School, Hartsville, South Carolina; then principal of Lamar High School in Lamar, South Carolina; Supervisor with the Office of School District Accreditation and Assessment of the State Department of Education; Director of Middle and Secondary Education for Dorchester School District Two, Summerville, South Carolina; District Superintendent of Newberry County; Superintendent of Fort Mill School District and Interim Superintendent for Richland/Lexington District 5, Irmo, South Carolina.

Upon retirement to Murrells Inlet, he continued to serve the field of education by serving as an Education Consultant for Moseley Architect.

His strong faith and altruistic spirit is reflected in his dedicated
service through numerous activities which include Clio Rescue Squad,
Hartsville Sertoma Club, Lamar Christmas Parade Committee, Lamar UMC, SC High School League Executive Committee, Newberry and Fort Mill Rotary Clubs, Fort Mill Chamber of Commerce, and YMCA Board.

In addition to his community activities, Mr. Dowling served on numerous educational consortia such as The Olde English Consortium, and other associations and committees relating to the field of education such as S.C. Association of School Administrators, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Mr. Dowling was named Conference Coach of the Year, for basketball and football, and has been recognized as one of the Outstanding Young Men in America. He also received service awards from the town of Lamar and the S.C. High School League, and SACS CASI Service Award and was selected by the S.C. Vocational Directors Association as Superintendent of the Year.

He was recognized by the S.C. House of Representatives with Resolution H3970 as well as with the Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Fort Mill Rotary Club. He has published numerous articles, has been a respected lecturer at different events across the state, and was active in the implementation of the Summer Leadership Conference for School Administrators.

Mr. Dowling's dedication to his career was matched by his love for his family and friends. He was a beloved "Papaâ" to his grandchildren, the instigator of golf tournaments in Newberry and Myrtle Beach which were cherished by everyone that participated. He enjoyed most being surrounded by his family where he would cook his infamous chili and Hoppinâ' John while practicing his shagging techniques. More often you would find him playing golf, fishing, or just enjoying a good book. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, educator, mentor, and friend.

Funeral Services will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at
Surfside United Methodist Church, Directed by Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2009, at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel.