Dr. Thomas Marshall Hoskins

From Orangeburg, Tom graduated from the University of South Carolina becoming a life-long Gamecock fan. He attended graduate school at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee receiving his Doctor of Optometry in 1971. He served as President of his class and was awarded the Robert Magnon Award for Outstanding Student.

Dr. Hoskins and Dr. Paul Derrick opened an optometry practice in the Irmo area in the early 70’s. His Fifty-year career in the Columbia area included many of his original patients from those early days. Tom later joined Sansbury Eye Center where he was much beloved by his patients and colleagues. Throughout his long career, Tom loved his work and connected with his patients on a very personal level. Many cite his recall of their names and families at their visits as being amazing. He was always interested in his patients’ lives. Tom’s passing will be felt personally by his many patients and friends in the Sansbury Community.

Tom was an accomplished athlete enjoying all sports especially tennis, skiing, and sailing.

Dr. Hoskins was happiest on the water. He loved sailing in Charleston where for many years he and Pam sailed their boat on the Intracoastal Waterway. Sailing in Florida and the Abaco Islands was a particularly special time and place that they shared. Tom and Pam also enjoyed Lake Murray and had many adventures sailing and boating there.

Tom loved being with people and was known to be an exceptionally gracious host who always made everyone feel welcome and important. He also leaves behind close friendships in the Lake Murray and Charleston communities.

Tom will be missed most by close family whom he greatly loved and generously cared for including his brother Al Hoskins, wife Mary; sister Mary Jo Cook, husband Larry Joe; son Marshall (Heidi); daughter Emmye, (Mitch); sister-in laws Adell Keen (Henry), Valerie Wallace (Scott); and most of all his wife of 30 years, Pamela Sheppard Hoskins.

In addition, Tom leaves grandchildren Norman Hoskins, Andrew Burbage (Megan); and a host of nieces and nephews all of whom recall fond memories of time spent with Uncle Tom who taught them much including never to “burn daylight”.

A private service will be held later for family to gather and celebrate Tom’s life and his love of the water.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel is assisting the family.