Dr. Thomas Edgar Scism's Obituary
Dr. Thomas Edgar Scism was born August 13, 1930, and lived until the morning of December 25, 2025. In the ninety-five plus years that he walked the earth he built a legacy of generosity, support and encouragement for others as they met their challenges in life, upholding an ambition to improve the lives of those around him.
Born in Pelham, NC, he was the oldest child of Pearlie E. and Modelle Scism. He married Shirley Ann Chilton on April 17, 1951. She predeceased him December 5, 1997. He was also preceded in death by an older sister, Evelyn, his brother Jack Scism, sister Betty Hubbard and grandson, Jacob Garcier.
He spent his life teaching University courses in Political Science – most of his professional experience was as a Professor at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL. His love of teaching took him abroad teaching troops stationed in six different countries including Ireland, England, Asia, and Europe. He loved writing and authored several books and folk songs.
He is survived by three children: Landon Scism, of Wilmington, NC; Bruce (Beth) Scism, of Hendersonville, TN; Pamela (Mike) Zachay, of Tolono, IL. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Taylor (Jennifer) Scism, Jaclyn (Tad) Freezeland, Joel (Laura) Shute; Nathaniel (Ruby) Garcier, Jessica Garcier (Ernesto Ramos); several great grandchildren, and honorary grandchildren, Venise Smith, Elliot McMillan, and Maddie (McMillan) Meadows.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL. A memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Inurnment will be held at 12 noon on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Fair View Cemetery and Cedar Lawn Memorial Park in Roanoke, VA.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
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