Thomas Carter Ellenberger

COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Thomas Carter Ellenberger, 74, will be held on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 at Dunbar Funeral Home, located at 3926 Devine Street. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm, followed by the service in the Dunbar Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00 pm. The family will also receive friends following the service.

Tom went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

Tom is survived by his wife, Charlotte Renee Sapp Ellenberger; Daughters, Paige Hughes (Gregg) and Brooke Ellenberger; Stepdaughter, Melissa Sanderson (Paul); Stepson, Ben Story (Betsy); siblings, Karen Lassiter (Tommy) and Tim Ellenberger (Camellia); and grandchildren Allie, Baker, Griffin, Sydney, Sawyer, Liam, Bennett; Niece, Cherie Wash (Tim); Nephews, David Lassiter (Michelle), Timmy Ellenberger, Mark Ellenberger (Missy), Joe Ellenberger (Charisse), Tom Ellenberger; and a host of loving extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jeanne and Roy Ellenberger; and grandson, Sutton Story.

Tom was born on May 25, 1948 to Jeanne and Roy Ellenberger. He grew up in Glenshaw, PA and spent his childhood with his sister and twin brother before moving to Greenville, NC to attend college. He graduated from East Carolina University, excelling as a member of the wrestling team. Following graduation, he was a teacher and wrestling coach at Saint Andrews High School. Furthering his education, he received his Master’s degree in Education at the University of Georgia, serving as an assistant wrestling coach. Tom then moved to Rock Hill where he taught and continued coaching. He started the Bearcat wrestling program at Rock Hill High School – which he built into a state powerhouse in the late 1970’s and coached them to their first State Championship in 1980. He then moved into administration at Northwestern High School, while also starting the wrestling program at Winthrop University. A short time later, he became the Director of Dorchester County Career School and was an assistant coach for the Summerville High School wrestling program. He retired after 30+ years in education and coaching. Shortly after, he spent 4 years as Tom the Tool Man at McKinney’s Wholesale in Waynesboro, GA. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater Oklahoma, the Rock Hill High School Circle of Champions, and was most recently named to the Southern Conference’s 100th Anniversary Wrestling Team.

Tom was successful as a coach and an educator, but more importantly - he was an inspiring father figure, role model, and friend to everyone. His encouraging nature, thoughtfulness, and dedication to others, helped shape the lives of many young students and athletes.

Tom was a devoted father to his daughters, Paige and Brooke. Thirty years ago, he married his loving wife and soulmate, Renee Ellenberger, and gained two stepchildren, Melissa and Ben. He was adored by his grandchildren, and one of his favorite titles was “Papa”. Tom’s family meant the world to him, and he enjoyed spending time traveling to see them in various sporting events and activities. He was an enthusiastic supporter of all family members, and always had an encouraging word for everyone. Tom was an avid outdoorsman and loved all things hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved big and never met a stranger.

The family wishes to thank Tom’s amazing medical team, led by Dr. Bradley Word, Dr. Anand Jillella, Dr. Mohamed El Geneidy, and the amazing staff at South Columbia Dialysis Center and Carolina Physical Therapy.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.