Thomas Rhett Evatt

Thomas Rhett Evatt, 90, of Seneca, SC, husband of Gaynell Turner Evatt passed away on Monday, February 26th, 2018 surrounded by his family at the Cottingham Hospice House.

 

Born in Pendleton, SC on July 12th, 1927 to Daniel and Grace Moore Evatt, Rhett moved to Seneca in 1939 and was a proud graduate of Seneca High School where he served as the 1944 Senior Class President. Following high school he joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. Upon discharge he attended Clemson University. His community involvement began with his employment at Oconee Savings & Loan in 1960. Initially hired as a loan officer, his dedication to helping others achieve the goal of home ownership led to what became his lifelong career and passion. Under his leadership as President and CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, the thrift grew into a thriving publically traded company serving communities in upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia. It was through his commitment to his work that he strived to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of those he met while improving the community around him.

 

Giving back to the community was important to Rhett. He was a founding member of Saint Mark United Methodist Church. He actively served as a Rotarian where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow and was instrumental in the establishment of the Seneca Rotary Scholar Program. Rhett was a loyal supporter of Seneca High and Clemson University athletic programs, enjoying Friday night and Saturday afternoon games with his family for decades. His service went beyond the Seneca community. He actively served on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Savings and Loan League, on the South Carolina State Development Board and on the South Carolina Job and Economic Development Authority. He was a member of American Legion Post 120 and committed his time and advisement as a member of the Tri-County Tech Foundation Board of Directors.

 

A lifelong Methodist, Rhett enjoyed singing and was a member of the St. Mark Chancel Choir and the Golden Corner Barbershop Chorus. His mild demeanor was not to be overshadowed by his quick wit. He was a gentleman, known for his integrity and fairness. He treasured spending time with his family. A devoted husband, father and beloved “Poppy”, he most enjoyed traveling with his family, annual family beach trips, family reunions and holiday traditions.

 

Rhett is survived by his wife of 67 years and children Rhetta Dalton (Claude) of Easley, Lee Ann Parker (Mike) of Seneca, and Curt Evatt (Alice) of Seneca; and grandchildren Whitney Feaster, Will Parker, Jordan Stephens, Amelia Evatt and Thomas Evatt; and great-granddaughters Stella and Elizabeth Feaster and Tessa and Lydia Stephens. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings D.C. Evatt, Jr., Dave Evatt, L.O. Evatt, Martha Wilensky and Ellen Canuso.

 

 

The family will receive friends at Saint Mark United Methodist Church at 616 Quincy Rd., Seneca on Wednesday, February 28 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM on Thursday, March 1 prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be conducted at Saint Mark United Methodist at 12:00 PM on Thursday, March 1, 2018 with a private burial to immediately follow. Memorials may be made to Saint Mark United Methodist, designated for Special Friends ministry, 616 Quincy Road, Seneca, SC 29678 or to the T. Rhett Evatt Memorial Scholarship, Tri-County Technical College Foundation, PO Box 587, Pendleton, SC 29670.

 

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com

 

SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY