Thomas William Seward

Thomas William Seward, 77, of Hopkins, died on Monday, June 8, 2026. Born on March 27, 1949, in Colon, Panama, he was the son of the late Robert Leroy Seward and Cecillia Seward.

Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Army for 22 years, retiring with the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). During his military career, he completed two consecutive tours in Vietnam and traveled around the world twice in service to his nation. His many assignments included cook, combat infantryman, Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) member, service with the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, door gunner, helicopter pilot, and chaplain's assistant. He was awarded numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge. In a testament to his humility, Thomas returned his Purple Heart, believing someone else deserved it more.

Following his military service, Thomas and his wife owned and operated a courier business for many years. During that time, he worked with the American Red Cross, Lab Express, and DHEC. He also enjoyed a long career as a truck driver, working for several companies, including Stevens Transport, J.B. Hunt, Werner Enterprises, Premier, and Joppa. Thomas loved being on the road and spent many years driving trucks across the country. He briefly transitioned to driving a sprinter van throughout multiple states before returning to trucking, a profession he continued for another 20 years before retiring.

In his later years, Thomas worked for Professional Transportation, Inc. as a yard assist driver at the Norfolk Southern rail yard in Cayce, South Carolina. He was well loved and respected by the trainmasters and crews who worked alongside him.

Thomas was known for his sense of humor and his love of playing practical jokes on family and friends. He found great joy in gardening and at one time owned and operated his own greenhouse. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking, finding peace and relaxation in the outdoors. Above all, he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

A gifted musician, Thomas played several musical instruments and regularly gathered with fellow musicians at Bill's. He generously shared his talents by playing and singing at numerous church functions and funerals throughout the years.

Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, April Lynn Hudson Seward of Hopkins, South Carolina. Together for 16 years and married for 11, they shared a life filled with love and companionship. He is also survived by his brother, James Robert Seward of Colonial Beach, Virginia; his stepdaughter, Catherine A.J. Fryfogle (Daniel) of Hopkins, South Carolina, whom he loved as his own daughter; and his cherished grandchildren, Joanna, Dakota, and Nathaniel Fryfogle, all of Hopkins. He also leaves behind several dear friends, including Bob Miller, Mike Purnell, Mr. Freeze, and Darren Brown.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his grandparents and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The memorial service to honor Mr. Seward's life will be held at 1 o'clock on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 o'clock until 1 o'clock. The committal will follow at 2 o'clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road Columbia, SC.