Thomas Chappell "Tommy” Boozer

COLUMBIA - A Celebration of Life for Thomas Chappell “Tommy” Boozer, 71, will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Downtown Church, 2030 Gregg Street, Columbia, S.C. Reverend Dawn Hyde and Reverend Charles Weathers will officiate the service. A reception will be held immediately following the service at the church.

Tommy died peacefully Saturday, September 7, 2024. Born in Columbia, he was the son of the late James Marion Boozer and Mary Bleckley Boozer.

He was a lifelong member of Ascension Lutheran Church where he served on the Property and Maintenance Committee and was a member of The Lutheran Men’s Club.

A 1971 graduate of Eau Claire High School, he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He was All-Area, SC All-State, and twice earned Lineman of the Year for the state of South Carolina, and member of the 1971 SC Shrine Bowl team. He was named to the 1971 Sunkist All America Team. As a result of his high school success, Tommy was awarded a full scholarship to play football at Clemson University. While there, he was a three year starter and letterman as Defensive End. As a student at Clemson, he was a member of the Block C Letterman’s Club and was selected into the Tiger Brotherhood Honorary Fraternity. He graduated in 1975 with a BS degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Tommy began his 41 year career with S. C. Electric & Gas working his way up to head of the Lake Management Department where he was responsible for the shoreline management around Lake Murray and Monticello Reservoir. As part of this responsibility, he was instrumental in the development and maintenance of all the public parks at both lakes.

Tommy was an avid outdoorsman who shared his enthusiasm with his family and friends. He had a special fondness for the Gator Hole Hunt Club in the Congaree Swamp. Tommy was above all else a family man and his wife, Susan, whom he met in high school, was the love of his life for 49 years. He was affectionately known as “Booze” by grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Susan Williams Boozer of Columbia; a son, Thomas Boozer (Denise) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., two daughters, Brady Godfrey (Tyler) of Greenville and Laura Wentzky (Charlie) of Columbia; 10 grandchildren, Chappell Boozer, Sam Boozer, Preston Godfrey, Crain Godfrey, Reddington Godfrey, Wolfe Wentzky, Creek Wentzky, Vale Wentzky, Roper Wentzky and Margaret Wentzky.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Jimmy and Sparky Boozer and sister Mary Boozer.

Tommy donated his brain for research and future generations to the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Brain Endowment Bank.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses, caregivers and staff of Vitality Living Columbia and also Three Oaks Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia, S.C. 29201 and the Salvation Army of the Midlands, P. O. Box 2876, Columbia, S.C. 29202.

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