Thomas Eugene Shiflet came into this world on February 16, 1948.  Francis and Clyde Shiflet did the best they could until Francis' passing.  Soon after, Selma stepped in to assist.  A Greer boy became smitten with a Byrnes girl in 1968, and asked her to be his bride.  Tom and June Hayes Shiflet were married the following year.  After 7 years of marital bliss, along with a few antics, they perfected their family with the addition of Tamala Shiflet Shive Randolph.  Soon however, they felt that they needed a challenge.  So in 1978, they welcomed their rambunctious boy, Timothy Eugene Shiflet.  Giving their children an amazing childhood, and always supporting any adventure they wished to pursue, Tom and June watched their children grow up to adulthood.  In 2003, Tom looked on with pride as his son married Angela Gwinn Shiflet.  In 2005, Tamala gave birth to Tom's first grandchild, Dayton Jon Shive Randolph.  Dayton's appearance is what transformed Tom into "Papa", and June into "Mema".  In 2008, Papa laid eyes on his first granddaughter, brought into the world by Tim and Angela.  The child's name is Regan Caroline Shiflet.  Even though Papa continued teaching HVAC at Greenville Technical College, he found time and love for his family.  The next year, Papa sighed in relief as Garland Anthony Randolph took Tamala's hand in marriage.  Gar then adopted Dayton in June of 2010.  To complete the family heritage, Tim and Angela made their second addition to the family, Meredith Hayes Shiflet.  Papa's heart melted as he watched Meredith eat her first of very many mac & cheese bowls.  After Papa's retirement in 2016, he spent his golden years helping Mema play taxi for the grandchildren, being a scout leader for Dayton's Boy Scout troop, getting beat in golf by his good friend Allen, and attending all the girl's activities. On September 27, 2019, Tom celebrated 50 years with his beautiful bride.  Papa took his final lap around the sun, leaving this world for a better one on June 28 ^th , 2020.

People say that you know you've lived a good life when you make a difference to others.  There's no doubt that Papa lived a good life.  Just last week he hiked with the Scouts, celebrated Father's Day with his family and D2's family (The Seymours), partied with  his granddaughter for her birthday, and went camping because the voice's in his wife's head told him to.  Papa had a sense of humor like no other, and because of his kind heart, he collected admirers, both young and old, sharing his positive influence with everyone he met.  Papa always enjoyed good music, a tottie when it was called for, and tailgating at Clemson Football games. Go Tigers!  He loved the Lord, and raised his family to do the same, so that one day, we will all celebrate together in Heaven.  It's good things like this that we need to remember.  So that's why we will gather, not just to mourn his death, but to celebrate his life on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at Summit Church, located at 311 Spartanburg Hwy, Wellford, SC 29385,  from 1pm to 3pm. The celebration will continue at the home of Tamala and Gar Randolph at 6 pm, just like Papa would want.