Donald Watson Thames Sr.

Donald Watson Thames Sr., passed away peacefully on February 6 with his wife of 62 years, Anne Thames and his trusty four legged companion, Rosie at his side. Don will be fondly remembered by his remembered by his family and friends for his kindness, generosity and love for people. By all accounts he was a people person who led to great success in his personal life and business career. Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Don grew up in and around the waterways of the low country. He and twin brother, Jack Thames joined the US Navy together and served our Country WWIi. Upon his return from the service he graduated from college and earned a bachelor's degree at Western Carolina University. His first job in sales, with Wilson and George Meyer Company, called for him to relocate his new family to the West Coast. Northern California would be the family's home for the duration of his business career. The family settled in Santa Clara where Don would become the President and CEO and S&W Equipment Company, and Outdoor Power Equipment Dealership. During this time, (1970 to 1993) Don and his Company flourished as Santa Clara County transitioned from the dried fruit capital of the world to what is now known as Silicon Valley. Don and Anne would have two children, Don Jr. and Kay who both worked in the family business and graduated from San Jose State University and Santa Clara University respectively. After 23 years of woning his own business, Don and wife Anne, longed for a return to his boyhood home of Charleston. They originally moved to Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms where Don spent his childhood summers with his family on the beach. In 2001, Don and Anne would move once more to Park West in Mount Pleasant, SC to continue their life together in retirement. Don would spend his days in retirement doing what he did so many years before. Boating, fishing, crabbing and shrimping would fill most of his days which were always finished with a cocktail and the six o'clock news. At the ripe old age of 70, at the urging of Brothe Jack, Don took up the game of golf. His rounds were not judged by this total score, per se, but instead by how many golf balls he lost. He would never venture far from the fairway and would leave the errant shots to the gators as something to chew on. Don will be remembered by friends and family as a fair man. He treated others with respect and friendliness which earned him friends from coast to coast. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Youmans Thames, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; son, Mr. Donald Watson Thames Jr. and wife, Carole, of Rancho Murieta, CA; daughter, Kay Thames McMillion, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandchildren, Makayla Oei and Katie Thames, of Rancho Murieta, Ca; twin brother, Jack Thames, Sr., of Charleston, SC; nephew, Jack Thames, Jr., of Mt. Pleasant, SC; neice, Janet Figueroa of Senca and many loving nieces, nephews and friends and his beloved pet 'Rosie'. He was predeceased by his parents Florence Connard Thames and Frank Hutchinson Thames and his older brother, Frank Hutchinson Thames Jr. The family will receive friends in their home in Park West Community, on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 5 to 7 pm. For condolences and more information regarding Don's Celebration of life, contact donthamesfamily@gmail.com In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his honor to Wounded Warrior Project, P O Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675 or to Special Olympics, 'Memorial Donation', and 3480 Buskirk Avenue, #340 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. . Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1520 RIFLE RANGE ROAD, MT PLEASANT, SC (843) 884-3833.