TOMMY LUTHER EADY
Tommy Luther Eady, 90, formerly of Myrtle Beach and widower of Lynn Rentz Eady, died on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at a nursing facility in Sumter.
Born in Bowdon, Georgia, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Bruce Eady and Floy Robinson Eady; his wife of 60 years; his brother, Jerry Eady; and his sister, Eloise Fannin.
Tommy is survived by his two daughters, Kelly Eady Shaw (Danny) of Rock Hill and Susanne Eady Dwight (Coles) of Sumter; as well as his seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He attended Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia, and graduated from Baylor University, later earning his master's degree from there as well. He devoted most of his professional career to education, igniting that same passion for family members who followed in his footsteps. He began as an instructor at Fort Jackson, later serving as coach and principal at Conway High School, followed by his time at the Department of Education in Columbia. He ended his career with Jostens. His love for Coastal Carolina led him to spearhead the Beach Ball Classic for several years. It brought him such joy to see basketball and community - two of his greatest passions - come together annually for the well-known tournament. While he was known to many as Coach Eady, his favorite titles were that of husband, father and grandfather. He took every opportunity to speak wisdom into the lives of his family, and his commitment to faith and truth will be carried on for countless generations by those who loved him most. Just days before he passed, Tommy celebrated his 90th birthday with ice cream, cupcakes and white chocolate Macadamia nut cookies, surrounded by family, friends and former basketball players.
His family wishes to acknowledge the vast community of healthcare employees who provided exceptional care for Tommy, treating him as their own: the staff of NHC Healthcare Sumter, Prisma Health Wound Healing Center, Caris Healthcare, Dr. William Kellogg, Dr. Andy Reynolds and Dr. Dennis Lang.
A private service will be held for the family.
Memorials can be made to Caris Healthcare Hospice, 105 E. Wesmark Blvd, Suite 4, Sumter, SC 29150.
Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.