Thomas Ward Myers, 84, of Florence, South Carolina passed away on Monday, December 14, 2015 surrounded by family at McLeod Hospice House after an extended illness.

Mr. Myers was born on June 5, 1931 in Corning, Kansas. He attended public schools throughout the United States and Japan as well as Millersburg Military Institute in Kentucky. He later attended Sue Bennett College in Kentucky where he earned an Associate's Degree. He served four years in the United States Air Force and was a meteorologist for the United States Central Command Weather Central in England. He completed his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Retail Management at University of Florida in 1957. He was a member of the University of Florida Grand Old Guard and was an avid supporter of his beloved Florida Gators. After a lifetime of constant relocation, he made his final move to Florence in 1987 to open the Walmart located on David McLeod Boulevard in 1987. He retired after 35 years of serving as a retail manager for Hackney Brothers, W. T. Grant, TG&Y Stores, and Walmart. Mr. Myers was a member of the Tri-County Senior Golf Association and the Oakdale Country Club until a decline in his vision.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Rita Powell Myers; sister Sharon Stedman of Florida; sons Barry Myers of Florida, Mike Myers (Linda) of Florence, Bill Myers of Florida, Chris Walther of Florence, and Todd Walther (Angie) of North Carolina; 8 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his father, Colonel Francis C. Myers (Martha); mother, Edith Hackney Myers; first wife of 19 years, Carole Burgoon Myers; and sister Catherine W. Jones.

The family will receive friends, Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the John Calvin Presbyterian Church from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 PM, directed by Cain-Calcutt-Stephens Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at the Florence National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McLeod Hospice House, P.O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502 or to John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 2000 Marsh Avenue, Florence, SC 29505.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to McLeod Hospice House and Dr. Charles Richard Alexander, Nurse Sue Jernigan, and Nurse's Aide Ruby Hunter for their loving care.