The Anderson University family is mourning the loss of one of its most treasured friends and benefactors.
Thomas “Tom” Edison Thrift, a lifetime member of the AU Board of Trustees, passed away on Jan. 1, 2018. He was 87 years-old.
His legacy is literally etched in stone at AU. The Thrift Library is named after his family.
Thrift co-founded and owned road-building company Thrift Brothers, Inc. with his twin, Sam Thrift, also a lifetime AU trustee. The two also created South Carolina Better Roads and Transportation and served in the United States Army together from 1951-53.
Tom Thrift was a member of Westminster Baptist Church and active in several charities and organizations.
AU President Dr. Evans Whitaker called Thrift an “amazing man” and said he was a vital part of the AU family and a stalwart supporter of Christian higher education.
“When it came to business, he was incredibly smart, and he was awake and working while most people were still sleeping,” Whitaker said. “When it came to life outside business, God, his family, employees and friends were his priorities. He treated every person with kindness and respect. He was one of AU’s most generous supporters and we are honored that one of our signature buildings bears his name.”