A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF DR. HOWARD THOMAS, LONGTIME PROFESSOR AT ERSKINE COLLEGE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the Senate was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Howard Thomas on March 17, 2023, at age eighty-one. Born August 19, 1941, in Wales, Howard earned undergraduate and doctoral degrees at the University of Bristol. In 1968, he and his wife moved to the U.S., and he began a teaching career that led him to Georgia Tech, Furman University, and then Erskine College for forty-five years, for a total of fifty years of teaching. Dr. Thomas was a legendary professor who dedicated much time to students as they studied chemistry and who worked tirelessly to see the completion of the Daniel-Moultrie Science Center on Erskine's campus during his many years chairing the chemistry department. He was appointed the Dr. and Mrs. James Rogers Young Professor of Chemistry in 2006. In 2015, he received the Excellence in Teaching Award from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. He served on many committees, including as faculty chair, and also as clerk of session at his church. "Dr. T." was known for his incredible patience and concern for students, his dry British humor, a love of Welsh rugby, and the way he pronounced "al-u-MIN-i-um." Upon retirement, Howard moved to Columbia and went on many wonderful adventures with his adoring grandchildren; and

 

Whereas, Howard and his dear wife, Penelope Janet Hitchcock "Penny" Thomas, were married for fifty years before she passed away. Dr. Thomas leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Emma Dean (Gavin); his brother, Jeffery Thomas of Milton Keynes, England; and four beloved grandchildren. His impactful presence will be greatly missed and remembered for generations to come. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Dr. Howard Thomas, longtime professor at Erskine College, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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