Thomas Daniel Gelwicks, Sr.

Thomas Daniel Gelwicks Sr., “Pappy/ Pop-Pop”, 97 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Born on April 3, 1927, in Emmitsburg, MD, he was a son of the late Mary Gelwicks (Wagerman) and William Roy Gelwicks.

Thomas grew up and attended schools in Emmitsburg and Baltimore, MD. In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to proudly serve his country in World War II. Within months he was in the Pacific serving on board the USS Shannon (DM 25). During the war, he was at the Battles of Iwo Jima, Ulithi, Kerama Retto and Okinawa. He also took part in the occupation of Japan. After the war, The Shannon was homeported in Charleston, where he met a beautiful young brunette named Claire. They were happily married for over 67 years! His professional career spanned 31 years with the U.S. Postal Service retiring as a postal letter carrier at the St. Andrews Branch. He proudly and professionally served 24 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves retiring as a Boatswain’s Mate Chief Senior (BMCS). One of his passions was to take his sons, and their friends, camping, fishing, shooting, and boating. For several years, he was a tour guide with the Hunley Museum, and a WBTS reenactor, helping educate the public about America’s history. Thomas was a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and National Rifle Association. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, Fleet Reserve Association, National Association of Letter Carriers, and Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Claire Louise (Redell) Gelwicks; son, William Roy Gelwicks; parents, William Roy Gelwicks and Mary Gelwicks.

Thomas is survived by his son, Thomas Daniel Gelwicks, Jr. (Donna); daughter in law, Anne Gelwicks (William Roy); and granddaughter, Elizabeth G. Fallaw (Jeremy).

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:00am at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 following the service.  

The family will hold a light luncheon/reception immediately following the burial, at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-614-8494.