Thomas Daniel Efland

Clemson, SC - Thomas Daniel Efland, 91, died on November 10, 2015 in hospice care in Columbia, SC. Born October 27, 1924 in Efland, NC to the late John L. Efland and Bessie Taylor Efland, Tom was the sixth of ten children. Tom’s upbringing in a large family helped create his legendary wit and keen sense of humor, both of which served him well throughout his life. After graduating from Efland High School, Tom began his studies at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. His education was interrupted by World War II at which time he joined the United States Army Air Corp and was commissioned as a young Lieutenant. Tom had just earned his Flight Engineer Wings when the war ended. In 1945 he married Helen Mae Thompson, the love of his life. With his new wife, Tom resumed his studies at NC State and graduated with a degree in Textile Engineering. He taught at Belmont Tech in NC before moving his family to Clemson, SC in 1951. At Clemson University, Tom was named a J.E. Sirrine Foundation Professor in Textiles. He remained at Clemson University until his retirement with the exception of one year to obtain an advanced degree at Georgia Tech. He became the first Head of Clemson’s Textile Research Department, a Full Professor, an Associate Dean, and Acting Dean during his 35 year career at Clemson. Tom served on numerous campus, community, and professional committees including the Clemson Athletic Council, the American Cotton Council, the YMCA, the Textile Manufacturers Association, and many other groups. From his teaching at Clemson University and involvement in the broader industry, Tom was recognized as one of the leading experts in textiles and the knitting world. He was frequently asked to serve as expert witness in lawsuits related to the textile and garment industry. When an international textile company planned to build a new plant or implement new technology, Tom was often among the first experts consulted. A lifetime Presbyterian, Tom and his family joined Fort Hill Presbyterian Church when they moved to Clemson. During his decades of service to the church, Tom was a Sunday School Teacher, Head of the Building Committee, Deacon, and Elder. While at Fort Hill, Tom served as Chair of the Board for the newly formed Boy Scout Troop 235. He also was a very active Rotarian and an avid Clemson sports follower who held season tickets to football and basketball games. After retirement from Clemson University, Tom and his wife Helen spent their years traveling throughout the world. They lived in Portugal for a year while Tom taught there. Tom also worked as a consultant for the World Bank in Africa on a new textile facility in Egypt. He and Helen traveled the African continent during this time. Their travels also took them to Asia, where Tom helped evaluate textile plants in Hong Kong, Japan, China, and other nations. Tom served as part of several trade missions to China, even during the occasion of President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China. After the birth of his grandchildren, Tom decided to focus his travels on the United States. With the purchase of a motor home, he and Helen drove across the US and even into parts of Canada and Mexico. Tom served as the President of the Carolina Cruisers, an RV group from across North and South Carolina, and he would help plan large group trips to various destinations throughout the Southeast US. After he could no longer travel, Tom and Helen relocated to The Clemson Downs where he was elected to the Board of Directors. In 2013, they moved to the Presbyterian Home near Columbia to be closer to family. He enjoyed being one of the few Tigers residing there. Mr. Efland is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen Efland and his children Tom Efland, Jr (Janet), Jim Efland (Judi), and Susan Holman. He has 9 grandchildren, Jenny Pense (Andy), George Holman (Liz), Chrissy Disch (Mark), Daniel Holman (Tess), Melissa Pennscott, Rachael Holman, and Danny Efland. He has four great grandchildren, Briahna Pense, Zion Pense, Eden Pense, and Ella Grace Efland. In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Efland Memorial Scholarship at Clemson University. Clemson University Office of Financial Aid, G-01 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634-5123. A Memorial service to celebrate the Life of Tom Efland will be held at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, Clemson, SC, Monday, November 16, 2015 at 11:00am. Interment will be at Efland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Efland, NC at a later date. Please sign our online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.