Tommy Edwards, 84, county administrator created Visions plan
November 14, 2024
Thomas W. Edwards Jr. of Georgetown, the former county administrator who launched its first long-range plan, died Nov. 9 at the Lowcountry Community Hospice House with two of his children at his side. He was 84.
He was born Aug. 15, 1940, in Marion, the son of Thomas W. Edwards and Octavia Edwards. In high school, he was the captain of the basketball team, class president and president of the Beta Club. He graduated from Baptist College and earned a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.
Mr. Edwards started his career as the Newberry city manager. In 1977, he moved to Florence, where he served as city manager for 18 years. He became Florence County administrator in 1995.
He became Georgetown County administrator in 1998. He launched the county’s first strategic planning initiative, known as Visions. It involved hundreds of residents and led to a $37 million capital projects program that was funded without a tax increase. The county received the All-America City award from the National Civic League in 2005 for the Visions program.
The capital plan grew to over $300 million in projects over 18 years before the Great Recession forced a retrenchment.
Mr. Edwards didn’t take credit for the process, which he said was born of frustration that the same issues kept being discussed, but never resolved.
“Everybody was frustrated enough that when Visions did come along they were excited enough to start addressing those issues,” he said in 2008. “I just happened to be the county administrator when it came together.”
Officials said it was his leadership that made that possible.
The county also created its own planning department and hired its first engineers during Mr. Edwards’ tenure.
He received the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor, in 1995. He was also given the key to the city by the Florence mayor. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow for his many years with the Rotary Club as member and president. He received a distinguished service award from the Jaycees and a presidential award from Chamber of Commerce.
He retired in 2008 after 35 years in local government. Georgetown County named its new airport terminal his honor. It was one of the projects in the Visions plan.
In his retirement, he continued to enjoy his greatest passions. An avid fisherman, he especially loved deep sea fishing with his family. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends. He loved gardening, and his dachshund, Maggie. He enjoyed seeing his 10 grandchildren at every opportunity.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Fulton Edwards; his children, Stephanie Edwards Hall (Stan) of Charleston, Brian Edwards (Jennie) of Florence, Thomas W. Edwards III (Grace) of Charleston and Karen Edwards (Rob) of Charleston; his grandchildren, Myers Horecky, Fulton Horecky, Carter Anne Hall, Mack Hall, Carlisle Edwards, Evelyn Edwards, Vivian Edwards, Eleanor Bliss Edwards, Genevieve Edwards and Caroline Rhett.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Georgetown Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charleston Animal Society.
