Thomas Cole Bristow, Jr.

Thomas Cole Bristow, Jr, PhD passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023. Born September 4, 1939, in Orangeburg, SC, he was the son of the late Tom and Naomi Bristow. Thom believed strongly in bettering yourself through education and helping others. He graduated from Wofford College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He earned a Master of Science in Social Work Administration from the University of Tennessee. He served six years in the Army Reserves as a Mental Health Specialist from 1964 to 1970 when he was honorably discharged. In 1977, he obtained his PhD in Foundations of Education from the University of South Carolina. He met the love of his life on January 13, 1967, at Greenville Country Club. It was love at first sight. They were married five and a half months later on July 1st. They supported each other during their 56 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Jane and their two sons Cole of Morganton and Chris (Kim) of Chapin, his four grandchildren Hunter, Daniel, Jordan, and Kate, sister Mary (Tom) Mull of Plant City, and daughter in law Julie Bristow. His family was the center of his life. Thom was the Director of Admissions at William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute. He enjoyed teaching and bettering others’ lives through therapy. Thom was an adjunct professor at USC, USC Medical School, Columbia College and Limestone College. He had a private practice as a marriage and family counselor devoting his life to serving others by making marriages and families stronger. Thom was also a professional storyteller. He went by the name The Carolina Talespinner. He used story telling as a therapeutic and teaching tool. He also traveled to Ireland, Scotland and England telling stories. He incorporated his love for music into his stories often playing his tenor guitar. He devoted his life to others at his church by acting as Elder, Deacon, delivering the children’s sermon and teaching Sunday School. A funeral service for Dr. Bristow will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home Chapel, with the Reverend Scott Efird officiating. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Bush River Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ashland United Methodist Church.