Thomas Houston Fitzpatrick Jr.

Tom will be remembered with love by his wife, Shirley Kuiper, who shared a rich life with him since 1985, as well as children and grandchildren: Meg and Jay Wilson (Capt. James Wilson, DMD, and Katie Wilson, Austin Wilson); David Fitzpatrick, MD, and Kelly Fitzpatrick (Hunter, Jordan, Taylor, Logan Fitzpatrick). His marriage to Shirley also added a bevy of in-law siblings, nieces, and nephews who came to love his many stories, giant hugs, and distinctive laugh.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 22, 1932, to Thomas Houston Fitzpatrick, Sr., and Faustina Crawford Fitzpatrick, Tom was the youngest of four children. He grew up and attended public schools in Decatur, Alabama. He lettered in high school football and was the youngest Eagle Scout in his council. Tom graduated from Auburn University in 1954, having earned a degree in industrial engineering. While at Auburn, he occupied several leadership positions in his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. He never abandoned his love for the Auburn Tigers or his ability to shout “War Eagle.” Drafted into the U.S. Army in July, 1954, Tom completed Artillery Officer Candidate School and was assigned to Third Armored Division as a field artillery forward observer, ultimately serving as instructor and company commander for basic training at Fort Knox, KY. After release from military duty in May, 1958, he began a career with the Chamber of Commerce.

Tom assumed duties as CEO of the Columbia, South Carolina, Chamber of Commerce in April, 1967. During his tenure, the Columbia Chamber coordinated the efforts to amend the South Carolina Constitution to provide for the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink (via the mini-bottle), a story he never tired of telling. Other memorable work included involvement with governmental, religious, business, and professional communities in resolution of community issues during the civil rights movement of the late 60s/early 70s; creation of the Central Midlands Regional Planning Council; establishing the University of South Carolina School of Medicine; and launching The Riverbanks Zoo, a somewhat controversial effort in which he staunchly advocated the zoological gardens design as opposed to the concrete and cage containment of animals. In 2013 the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives designated him a lifetime member.

Prior to coming to Columbia, Tom had managed the Sarasota (Florida) County Chamber of Commerce. Milestones during his tenure there included doubling the membership budget, building a new Chamber building (tripling its size); and establishing a Better Business Division and a Convention Sales Department. His first Chamber job was on the staff of the Governmental Affairs Department of the Greater Tampa Florida Chamber of Commerce, where he assisted the efforts to establish the University of South Florida and a planning department for Hillsboro County. Tom also participated in U.S. Chamber of Commerce development activities; he attended the Chamber’s Institute of Organizational Management at various universities, was appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Institute program, and served as an Institute instructor for 14 years.

The family thanks Hospice Care of South Carolina for nine months of ministering with love to Tom’s physical and spiritual needs, especially aide Latrell, chaplain Mike, social worker Elysa, and nurses Robin, Amy, and Stacy.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Columbia, SC, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201. After a private inurnment in the Cathedral’s columbarium, a memorial service will be held in the Cathedral at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018. The family will receive visitors in the Stirling Room after the service.

Memorials to animal rescue agencies would honor Tom’s life-long love for animals and intolerance of animal abuse.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.