Thomas Granville Casey

Thomas Granville Casey

Tom went to be with Jesus early on November 3, 2021 after suffering a stroke, and those who have gone before him no doubt heard him arrive as his deep belly laugh filled heaven with resounding joy and praise to the King! Tom was 77 years old, and was active right to the very end. Always a leader, from being a 22-year-old Sniper Platoon Commander in Vietnam to serving as an Elder at Horizon Church.

Tom was born in Akron, Ohio to Lecil Granville Casey Jr. and Margaret Gwynne Casey on April 26, 1944. He started school in 1950 in Woodruff, SC. He played football under Coach Willie Varner and graduated from Woodruff High School in 1962. He attended The Citadel in Charleston, SC before joining the Marine Corps in 1964. Tom finished #1 in his boot camp training class at Paris Island, awarded with dress blues. He fought for his country in Vietnam in several campaigns in Sniper Platoon, Headquarters Co., 5th Marine Regiment, First Marine Division.

After returning from Vietnam he married Donna Harrison (his “one and only” beloved wife). He continued his military career in San Diego, CA graduating third in his Drill Instructor class. He got out of the Marine Corps to finish school and he graduated from Carson-Newman College in TN. He also graduated from Treasury Law Enforcement School in Washington, DC and went to work with ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms) in Macon, GA.

After moving to Greenville, SC in 1973 Tom came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1976, and this was the defining moment of his life. He became very active in his church and was the Commanding Officer of the Christian Service Brigade for many years where hundreds of boys were impacted by his leadership. His life became characterized by caring for others around him, and he particularly loved being involved in the lives of other military men.

A book was written about his military exploits in 2000 called 13 Cent Killers, and this opened the opportunity for him to speak at many military gatherings. Tom was always eager to share about how Jesus had grabbed a hold of his life and saved him. He was currently serving as the Chaplin of the American Legion Woodruff Post 33. Tom retired in 2009 after 30 years of working with the Post Office.

Tom’s life was lived to the full. He loved his family deeply and is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Donna Casey and his two children Tamara Preston and Mark Casey.  Tom was blessed with seven amazing grandchildren. Tamara’s children are Griffin, Levi, Lilly and Olivia Preston. Mark and Alicia Casey’s children are Hudson, Tinsley and Reed Casey. He is also survived by his sister, Sue Phillips. He was predeceased by his brother Steve Casey.

The celebration of life service will be held at Horizon Church (1070 E. Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC) Saturday, November 6th just days before the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day; days that he always quietly celebrated. The family will receive friends starting at 12:30, and the service will begin at 2:00.

Graveside will be at Antioch Baptist Church (13683 US-221, Enoree, SC) following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Horizon Church (1070 E. Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC) www.horizonchurch.org

Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary