Thomas Hamilton Buxton Sr

Dr. Thomas H. Buxton, 86, passed from this life peacefully at his home on October 14, 2026, in West Columbia, SC. Born on January 18, 1940, in Blowing Rock, NC, he was the son of the late Kennard and Carrie Miller Buxton.

He was preceded in death by his brother W. Benjamin “Ben” Britton and daughter Karen Elizabeth “Liz” Bennett Lever.

Thomas “Tom” grew up in Blowing Rock, NC, and attended Blowing Rock High School where he was a star player on both the varsity baseball and basketball teams. He was awarded valedictorian of his graduating class and earned a full academic scholarship to Wake Forest University. During his undergraduate studies, he gained a trusted mentor, role model, and lifelong friend in professor Dr. Keith W. Prichard. Tom went on to earn his master's degree in education from Indiana University – Bloomington, and then his Doctor of Education, Ed.D. from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Dr. Buxton then embarked on a fulfilling career in education, highlighted by his 30-year tenure as a professor at the University of South Carolina – College of Education in Columbia, SC. In his decades at USC, Dr. Buxton was always there for his students, offering guidance and support not only in their academic pursuits but in their personal growth as well. His compassion for others and his belief in the potential of each individual had a lasting impact. After retiring as distinguished professor emeritus, he dedicated his time to family, community service, and his numerous passions.

Tom served as a prominent principal at the former Brunson – Dargan Junior High School in Darlington, South Carolina. In addition to his leadership at the junior high school, he was highly active in local education development, serving as the coordinator of the area’s adult education diploma program.

Tom was proficient in Latin, was an avid reader, researcher, and a published author. He loved to travel on road trips to the mountains and crossed the country to attend numerous sporting events in support of his alma maters, especially his beloved Cornhuskers. He gained great enjoyment in bird watching, antiquing and being in the company of his best friend and wife Louise. He was very active in the community and local churches. Above all, Tom will be remembered as a compassionate, humble, soft-spoken, god-fearing man that greatly enriched all of our lives.

While teaching Latin at North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte/Huntersville, North Carolina, Tom coached a youth baseball team that went on to win a State Championship. He loved baseball and the New York Yankees.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Louise McGraw Buxton; Sons William Gregory Buxton (Myrtle Beach, SC), Thomas Hamilton Buxton, Jr. (Chapin, SC), John Neyle Bennett, Jr. (Gilbert, SC) and Kennard Prichard Buxton (Columbia, SC); Daughters Mary Katherine Anderson (Wagener, SC) and Susan Louise Bennett (Lexington, SC); Brothers Trask Buxton (Washington, DC), Dr. Barry Buxton (Blowing Rock, NC), Dr. Mary B. Pearce (Charlotte, NC), and Martha B. Johnson (Charlotte, NC). He had a deep love for his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his devoted canine companion, Canisi.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Providence Presbyterian Church at 1112 Hummingbird Dr, West Columbia, SC, 29169.

The family wishes to express our gratitude to the helpers of Your Health and VCARE, and a very deep thank you to Shy.

Instead of flowers please consider donations be made to the ASPCA or donor's choice.