Thomas William McElfresh

Dr. Thomas W. McElfresh, age 75, died peacefully surrounded by his wife, daughter and granddaughter on March 27, 2023. We spent his last hours around his bedside singing and praising the Lord for the blessings He has given of eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

Tom was born on March 5, 1948, to the late James McElfresh and Zella McElfresh . Tom accepted the Lord at the age of 15. He attended Tennessee Temple College and  Southern Bible Institute and Seminary where he earned a Doctorate Degree in Philosophy in Christian Education. Throughout his life, he taught secondary education at a Christian school in Miami, FL and at Northside Christian School in Charlotte, N.C. He grew up with two brothers who were deaf and was able to use the gift of interpreting to the deaf in the ministry at Northside Baptist Church and was able to continue to witness to many deaf people throughout his lifetime.

He spent the next thirty years working in the grocery (meat department) business with the last 25 years at Food Lion as a Regional Meat Supervisor. After retirement, he was burdened to return to  teaching students and helped to fund a Christian school in Thomson, GA where he spent the next 10 years teaching education while ensuring they were taught about the Lord.  He also taught seminary students in prophecy studies and taught Sunday school.

All who knew Tom throughout his life, knew he always had at least, one dog by his side. He loved to golf, fish and was an avid hunter. He loved football and was a huge Florida Gator fan. However, the most valuable treasure he possessed was his salvation through Jesus Christ. His favorite passage in the Bible was I Thessalonians 3:13-18.

He is also preceded in death by two brothers, James McElfresh (Jean) and Robert McElfresh, sister, Patti Jo McEarchern (Robert), and a sister at the age of 5. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Barbara A. McElfresh, daughter Nancy Knight (Ricky) and granddaughters, Jennifer A. and Amber N. Knight who lovingly knew him as Papaw. He also has numerous nieces and nephews who carry precious memories of him in their hearts.

We are comforted in the promise from Lord that his faith became sight.

Services will be held April 3, 2023, at 2:00 at Gantt Street Baptist Church 2121 Gantt Street Cayce SC 29033. Officiated by Rev Gene Rowell. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00.

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