Thomas “Tommy” W. Edwards Jr., who served as Georgetown County Administrator from 1998 to 2008, died at Lowcountry Community Hospice House in Summerville on Nov. 9. He was 84.
Edwards was born on Aug. 15, 1940, in Marion. He was the son of the late Thomas W. Edwards Sr. and Octavia Edwards. He is remembered as a pillar of strength, service and commitment to his family and his community.
In high school, he was the captain of the basketball team, class President and President of the Beta Club. He graduated from Baptist College and received his master’s in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
The decade Edwards spent leading Georgetown County capped off a 35-year career in local government. Within Georgetown County government, he is remembered as “a quiet, yet truly effective leader,” and as someone who was tough but fair, knew how to get things done, and a consummate professional. He was much more easygoing in his personal life and said at the time of his retirement that he was looking forward to being “a professional grandfather.” He loved fishing, golf, gardening, photography, and his dachshund, Maggie. He was counted as a friend by many.
During his time as Georgetown County Administrator, Edwards left his mark on the county. Among his most significant achievements, he spurred a group of community leaders to begin work on a long-range strategic plan for the county, which came to be known as Visions. The plan went through two phases, with the second being turned into an 18-year, $313.5 million capital improvement plan that built new libraries and community centers, parks, sports complexes, and other facilities that helped the county meet the demands of a growing population. The last project in the plan was just completed earlier this year.
During his tenure, Edwards was also responsible for consolidating county departments, establishing the county’s stormwater department, and strengthening financial controls. “When Edwards took over as Administrator, no provisions were being made for the future financially or technologically,” recalled Dwight McInvaill, Georgetown County Library Director.
“The county was behind,” McInvaill said. “There were a handful of computers at most. He turned things around and established a good foundation to allow the county to grow and prosper.”
Edwards launched the Georgetown County Efficiency and Effectiveness initiative, which produced a report in 2004 that included 67 major recommendations from technological improvements to solid-waste operations, with a goal of saving $850,000 in the first year and $5 million over five years. Notably, Georgetown County was also named a National Civic League All-America County in 2004 under Edwards’ leadership.
After his retirement, Edwards served on the Georgetown County Planning Commission from 2008-2011 and remained a resident on the Waccamaw Neck. Due to his significant contributions to the county, the Georgetown County Airport Terminal was named in Edwards’ honor upon its completion in early 2009. That facility was also part of the Visions Plan.
“The Georgetown County team is deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Edwards’ passing,” said Georgetown County spokeswoman Jackie Broach. “Mr. Edwards dedicated his life to the service of South Carolina’s residents. His vision and leadership were transformative, driving major advancements in technology, citizen engagement, and strategic planning initiatives in Georgetown County. Under his leadership, the county achieved many milestones, including the Visions I and Vision II initiatives. We honor his legacy of innovation, efficiency, and community-focused service and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his dedicated service to our community.”
Edwards began his career in government in the early 1970s and over the years served as Director of Administration for the City of North Charleston, and City Manager in Newberry and Florence. In his last post before coming to Georgetown County, he was Florence County Administrator.
Among many honors throughout this lifetime, Edwards was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the most distinguished civilian award granted by the State, in recognition of his contributions to his community and local government. He was also named a Paul Harris Fellow for his service to the Rotary Club and received a Key to the City of Florence in 1995. He was a life member of the South Carolina City-County Managers Association, and through the years served as its director, secretary, treasurer, vice president, and president.
Edwards is survived by his wife, Linda Fulton Edwards of Georgetown; children Stephanie Hall (Stan), Thomas W. Edwards III (Grace) and Karen Edwards (Rob) of Charleston, and Brian Edwards (Jennie) of Florence; and 10 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charleston Animal Society.