Thomas Drumwright Obituary

Thomas Franklin Drumwright Jr., 93, died peacefully in his sleep at home, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. Tom was born Sept. 8, 1928, in Danville, Va., to the late Thomas Franklin Drumwright Sr. and Gracie Lamb Drumwright. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sisters, Norma Drumwright Parmley and Marian Drumwright Holzbach; and cousin, Doris Lamb Gleason. Tom was a longtime member of the Episcopal and Anglican Church. He earned his bachelor's degree from the Virginia Military Institute and master's degree from The Ohio State University. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a first lieutenant, artillery, from 1951 to 1953. While living in New Kensington, Tom was an engineer for 33 years at the Aluminum Company of America, earning in 1989 the ALCOA Chairman's Award for Technical Excellence and in 1991, the American Society for Testing and Materials Award of Merit for his career-long contributions to the area of nondestructive testing. Tom and his wife, Pat, retired to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for the last 24 years. Tom will be remembered for his unconditional love of family, his infectious smile and lifelong belief that "Everything works out for the best." He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Patricia Ryan Drumwright; his son, Thomas Franklin Drumwright III (Cynthia); daughter, Kathryn Ryan Drumwright; grandsons, Ryan Thomas Drumwright and Colin Lee Drumwright (Jessica); nieces, Susan Parmley Ewing (Rick) and Anne Gleason; and nephew, Edward Gleason (Terrie). Arrangements are being handled by McMILLAN-SMALL FUNERAL HOME, Myrtle Beach, S.C. A private funeral will be held at Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach, S.C. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, South Carolina Chapter at websc.alsa.org/. An online guest book is available at www.msfh.net.