Former advertising professor, Dr. Tom Weir, 66, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2016.

Weir joined the faculty in 2008 as an associate professor. From 2014-2015 he served as interim director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. He was the recipient of two Mortar Board awards for teaching excellence and was also heavily involved in assessment and accreditation procedures in the school. Weir retired in 2015.

"Tom always had an upbeat, can-do attitude," said Professor Bonnie Drewniany, advertising sequence head in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. "One of my fondest memories of Tom was watching him interact with his advertising competition team. He was one part coach, one part professor and one part proud dad."

Said Professor Karen Mallia, "Tom was a dedicated and compassionate professor. He'd do anything he could to help a student, or a colleague, succeed. It's hard to say what I will miss most—his mentorship, his droll wit, or his kind and gentle soul."

Before working at the University of South Carolina, Weir taught at Oklahoma State University and served for five years as Director of the School of Journalism and Broadcasting. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Missouri.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 2, 1949, he was a son of the late Gordon Mac and Thelma Fasig Weir. Survivors include his wife, Susan Basham Weir; brother, William Weir; sister-in-law, Candice Weir; nieces, Beth Weir, Becky Weir, Christi Coleman, and Allison Weir.

A memorial service will be held 3 o'clock, Friday, February 26th at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 1401 Washington Street, Columbia. A second service will be held 10 o'clock, Saturday, March 5th at Alden Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS. Inurnment will follow in Penwell Gabel Cemetery, Topeka, KS.

Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, and Alden Harrington Funeral Home are assisting the family.