Thomas Franklin Sutherland Jr.

Thomas Franklin Sutherland, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home at Foothills Presbyterian Community on September 12, 2025. He lived a rich and meaningful life full of love for many people and places. He truly never met a stranger; if he didn't already know you, he would take the time to get to know you.

Frank was born on October 20, 1937, on a farm in Abbeville, South Carolina, the eldest of two sons of the late Frances Norris Sutherland and Thomas Franklin Sutherland, Sr. He graduated from Abbeville High School in 1955 and Clemson Agricultural College in 1960.

Following his graduation from Clemson, Frank began a long and impactful career in the Greenville County public school system. He first taught math at Wade Hampton High in the inaugural year for the school. After obtaining a master’s degree, he moved from the classroom to administration. He spent the bulk of his career as a principal, including stops at Bakers Chapel and Welcome Elementary. His final stop before retirement was at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. He led the education program there for children undergoing prolonged treatment. Retirement didn’t take for Frank on the first try (or the second or third); he went on to work at Belk’s, Buncombe Street UMC and Greenville Tech before truly hanging it up.

Frank was a passionate sports fan, especially when it came to Clemson and Wade Hampton. While teaching at Wade Hampton, he began keeping the scorebook for the basketball team, a role he held for more than 40 years. In recognition of his commitment, the school scoreboard is now named the “Frank and Laura Sutherland Scoreboard.”

Earlier this year, Frank and his beloved wife, Laura Earle Christopher, celebrated 60 years of marriage. Rumor has it, they met (at a minimum, they certainly courted!) at a Clemson football game. Laura’s cousin, the late Mac McCord, was one of Frank’s Clemson buddies and played a role in their introduction.

After settling in Greenville, Frank and Laura became devoted members of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, where they’ve worshiped for over 60 years. Frank was deeply involved in the life of the church, teaching second-grade Sunday School for decades, serving as an usher, and leading the Fellowship Club for many years. His faith was central to his life, and attending church together was a cherished routine. Even when traveling, they often found a local service to attend and brought back the bulletin to share with their pastor.

Frank is survived by a loving family: his wife Laura; sons Christopher (Amy) and Brian (Christine); his brother Richard (Susan); grandchildren Katelyn, Blake, Grant, Ashley, and Jacob; as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Interim Hospice team and especially to the staff and residents of Foothills for their loving care over the past nine years. Frank deeply loved his home and the community there.

A celebration of Frank’s life will be held Monday, October 6, at 2pm, at Buncombe Street (200 Buncombe St., Greenville SC, 29601) with a visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, please kindly honor his memory through Presbyterian Communities of SC (Employee Appreciation Fund – Foothills) or Buncombe Street Methodist Church (Missions).