Bluffton, SC- How does one convey the essence of a life well lived - brave patriot, loving husband and father, witty friend, committed teacher, mentor, creative and talented artist, a Christian who understood and lived the message of the gospels.
Thomas G. McCunniff was born an Army brat in Denver, Colorado, on March 14, 1922. Imbued with a sense of "Duty, Honor, Country," Tom graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1945 like his father before him, and served as an infantry officer for the next 25 years in the service of his country. This included receiving a Bronze Star with V device (Valor) during the Korean conflict, as well as serving as a battalion commander and assistant chief of staff for operations and plans (G-3) in the 101st Airborne Division.
Having lead and mentored a generation of Army officers, he retired from the military and moved to Macon, GA, in 1970 where he continued to serve his community for 11 years. While in Macon he was deeply involved in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mt. de Sales High School, the Middle Georgia Council on Drugs and the Middle Georgia Area Planning Commission.
With his final retirement in 1981, Tom and his wife Nina moved to Hilton Head, SC, where they enjoyed 35 magical years by the beach, swimming, golfing, fishing, and providing their grandchildren with wonderful vacation memories. Tom was a founding member of Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, and continued with his community service as a volunteer math tutor at the Boys and Girls Club for many years. A die-hard Braves fan, Tom stayed busy with golf, fly fishing, painting, woodworking, beer making, and taking classes in all things math related. Another gift were the extraordinary letters of advice he wrote to many loved ones. Never boastful, he was always there for those in need, whether in the field of battle, a grieving friend, or a teen in need of tough love. He defined his life as a Christian and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Our love for him is beyond measure.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Brigadier General and Mrs. Dennis Edward McCunniff, a sister, Helen McCunniff Hartnell, a grandson, Thomas George McCunniff II and a son-in-law, Thomas Tinsley Matthews.
Tom is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 65 years, Nina Fay McCunniff, a sister Carol McCunniff Meyer (Edward) as well as his children: Kelly Hicks (Charles) of Columbia, SC; Dennis McCunniff (Ann) of Lewisville, NC; Donald McCunniff (Claire) of Raleigh, NC; and Kathleen Matthews Grice (Warren) of Macon, Ga. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Myra Hicks Staub (Van), Kathleen Hicks Bell (Josh), Maggie Hicks Davis (Brad), Fay McCunniff Blythe (Jeff), Rebecca McCunniff Obendorf (Kyle), Helen McCunniff, Don McCunniff, Kathleen Matthews and Thomas Matthews. Tom was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Charlotte and Tripp Staub, Tyler and Brady Blythe and Margaret Bell.
Deeply committed to life-long learning, donations may be made to St. Francis Catholic School, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, 29926, or to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Funeral services will be held at St Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00am.
Published in The Telegraph on Sept. 5, 2016
Thomas G. McCunniff was born an Army brat in Denver, Colorado, on March 14, 1922. Imbued with a sense of "Duty, Honor, Country," Tom graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1945 like his father before him, and served as an infantry officer for the next 25 years in the service of his country. This included receiving a Bronze Star with V device (Valor) during the Korean conflict, as well as serving as a battalion commander and assistant chief of staff for operations and plans (G-3) in the 101st Airborne Division.
Having lead and mentored a generation of Army officers, he retired from the military and moved to Macon, GA, in 1970 where he continued to serve his community for 11 years. While in Macon he was deeply involved in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mt. de Sales High School, the Middle Georgia Council on Drugs and the Middle Georgia Area Planning Commission.
With his final retirement in 1981, Tom and his wife Nina moved to Hilton Head, SC, where they enjoyed 35 magical years by the beach, swimming, golfing, fishing, and providing their grandchildren with wonderful vacation memories. Tom was a founding member of Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, and continued with his community service as a volunteer math tutor at the Boys and Girls Club for many years. A die-hard Braves fan, Tom stayed busy with golf, fly fishing, painting, woodworking, beer making, and taking classes in all things math related. Another gift were the extraordinary letters of advice he wrote to many loved ones. Never boastful, he was always there for those in need, whether in the field of battle, a grieving friend, or a teen in need of tough love. He defined his life as a Christian and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Our love for him is beyond measure.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Brigadier General and Mrs. Dennis Edward McCunniff, a sister, Helen McCunniff Hartnell, a grandson, Thomas George McCunniff II and a son-in-law, Thomas Tinsley Matthews.
Tom is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 65 years, Nina Fay McCunniff, a sister Carol McCunniff Meyer (Edward) as well as his children: Kelly Hicks (Charles) of Columbia, SC; Dennis McCunniff (Ann) of Lewisville, NC; Donald McCunniff (Claire) of Raleigh, NC; and Kathleen Matthews Grice (Warren) of Macon, Ga. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Myra Hicks Staub (Van), Kathleen Hicks Bell (Josh), Maggie Hicks Davis (Brad), Fay McCunniff Blythe (Jeff), Rebecca McCunniff Obendorf (Kyle), Helen McCunniff, Don McCunniff, Kathleen Matthews and Thomas Matthews. Tom was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Charlotte and Tripp Staub, Tyler and Brady Blythe and Margaret Bell.
Deeply committed to life-long learning, donations may be made to St. Francis Catholic School, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, 29926, or to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Funeral services will be held at St Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00am.
Published in The Telegraph on Sept. 5, 2016
Bluffton, SC- How does one convey the essence of a life well lived - brave patriot, loving husband and father, witty friend, committed teacher, mentor, creative and talented artist, a Christian who understood and lived the message of the gospels.
Thomas G. McCunniff was born an Army brat in Denver, Colorado, on March 14, 1922. Imbued with a sense of "Duty, Honor, Country," Tom graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1945 like his father before him, and served as an infantry officer for the next 25 years in the service of his country. This included receiving a Bronze Star with V device (Valor) during the Korean conflict, as well as serving as a battalion commander and assistant chief of staff for operations and plans (G-3) in the 101st Airborne Division.
Having lead and mentored a generation of Army officers, he retired from the military and moved to Macon, GA, in 1970 where he continued to serve his community for 11 years. While in Macon he was deeply involved in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mt. de Sales High School, the Middle Georgia Council on Drugs and the Middle Georgia Area Planning Commission.
With his final retirement in 1981, Tom and his wife Nina moved to Hilton Head, SC, where they enjoyed 35 magical years by the beach, swimming, golfing, fishing, and providing their grandchildren with wonderful vacation memories. Tom was a founding member of Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, and continued with his community service as a volunteer math tutor at the Boys and Girls Club for many years. A die-hard Braves fan, Tom stayed busy with golf, fly fishing, painting, woodworking, beer making, and taking classes in all things math related. Another gift were the extraordinary letters of advice he wrote to many loved ones. Never boastful, he was always there for those in need, whether in the field of battle, a grieving friend, or a teen in need of tough love. He defined his life as a Christian and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Our love for him is beyond measure.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Brigadier General and Mrs. Dennis Edward McCunniff, a sister, Helen McCunniff Hartnell, a grandson, Thomas George McCunniff II and a son-in-law, Thomas Tinsley Matthews.
Tom is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 65 years, Nina Fay McCunniff, a sister Carol McCunniff Meyer (Edward) as well as his children: Kelly Hicks (Charles) of Columbia, SC; Dennis McCunniff (Ann) of Lewisville, NC; Donald McCunniff (Claire) of Raleigh, NC; and Kathleen Matthews Grice (Warren) of Macon, Ga. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Myra Hicks Staub (Van), Kathleen Hicks Bell (Josh), Maggie Hicks Davis (Brad), Fay McCunniff Blythe (Jeff), Rebecca McCunniff Obendorf (Kyle), Helen McCunniff, Don McCunniff, Kathleen Matthews and Thomas Matthews. Tom was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Charlotte and Tripp Staub, Tyler and Brady Blythe and Margaret Bell.
Deeply committed to life-long learning, donations may be made to St. Francis Catholic School, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, 29926, or to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Funeral services will be held at St Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00am.
Published in The Telegraph on Sept. 5, 2016
Thomas G. McCunniff was born an Army brat in Denver, Colorado, on March 14, 1922. Imbued with a sense of "Duty, Honor, Country," Tom graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1945 like his father before him, and served as an infantry officer for the next 25 years in the service of his country. This included receiving a Bronze Star with V device (Valor) during the Korean conflict, as well as serving as a battalion commander and assistant chief of staff for operations and plans (G-3) in the 101st Airborne Division.
Having lead and mentored a generation of Army officers, he retired from the military and moved to Macon, GA, in 1970 where he continued to serve his community for 11 years. While in Macon he was deeply involved in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Mt. de Sales High School, the Middle Georgia Council on Drugs and the Middle Georgia Area Planning Commission.
With his final retirement in 1981, Tom and his wife Nina moved to Hilton Head, SC, where they enjoyed 35 magical years by the beach, swimming, golfing, fishing, and providing their grandchildren with wonderful vacation memories. Tom was a founding member of Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, and continued with his community service as a volunteer math tutor at the Boys and Girls Club for many years. A die-hard Braves fan, Tom stayed busy with golf, fly fishing, painting, woodworking, beer making, and taking classes in all things math related. Another gift were the extraordinary letters of advice he wrote to many loved ones. Never boastful, he was always there for those in need, whether in the field of battle, a grieving friend, or a teen in need of tough love. He defined his life as a Christian and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Our love for him is beyond measure.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Brigadier General and Mrs. Dennis Edward McCunniff, a sister, Helen McCunniff Hartnell, a grandson, Thomas George McCunniff II and a son-in-law, Thomas Tinsley Matthews.
Tom is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 65 years, Nina Fay McCunniff, a sister Carol McCunniff Meyer (Edward) as well as his children: Kelly Hicks (Charles) of Columbia, SC; Dennis McCunniff (Ann) of Lewisville, NC; Donald McCunniff (Claire) of Raleigh, NC; and Kathleen Matthews Grice (Warren) of Macon, Ga. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Myra Hicks Staub (Van), Kathleen Hicks Bell (Josh), Maggie Hicks Davis (Brad), Fay McCunniff Blythe (Jeff), Rebecca McCunniff Obendorf (Kyle), Helen McCunniff, Don McCunniff, Kathleen Matthews and Thomas Matthews. Tom was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Charlotte and Tripp Staub, Tyler and Brady Blythe and Margaret Bell.
Deeply committed to life-long learning, donations may be made to St. Francis Catholic School, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, 29926, or to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Funeral services will be held at St Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head, SC, on Saturday, September 17th at 11:00am.
Published in The Telegraph on Sept. 5, 2016
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