Major General (Retired) Thomas Lee Sinclair, age 73, husband of Kathryn Bowers Sinclair of 1374 Meansville Rd., Union, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Sinclair was born in Union, September 22, 1947, a son of the late John Albert Sinclair and Gladys Lee Sinclair. He was a 1965 graduate of Union High School and continued his education by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Clemson University, his Master’s in Education, and his EdS degree from Winthrop University. Mr. Sinclair also received a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.
Mr. Sinclair was an active-duty veteran of the US Army and had retired after 38 years of service from the S.C. Army National Guard having obtained the rank of Brigadier General. Throughout his military career he was awarded many commendations including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon. He was awarded the South Carolina Palmetto Cross for actions during Operation Hugo. Mr. Sinclair was honored to have spent half his career in command roles including Commander of the 4th Bn 118th Infantry and the 228th Signal Brigade.
He retired after 27 years from the Union Co. School System having begun his career as a teacher at Union High School moving on to serve as Principal of Sims Jr. High and serving as Assistant Superintendent of the Union Co. School District. He had also retired as Union County Supervisor.
Mr. Sinclair was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was a Shriner and a member of the Union Masonic Lodge #75. He had served as President of the Union Civitan Club, was currently the Chairman of the Union Community Foundation and served as Commander of American Legion Post #22. He spearheaded the campaign to establish the Miracle League of Union Co. and served as an active Board member.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Libby S. Sailors and husband Shane of Union, and Kelly S. Dunlap and husband Lee of Anderson; a son, Tommy G. Sinclair and wife Katherine of Greenville; a sister, Rebekah S. Williams of Union; grandchildren, Blake, Grant, Maggie, Dillon, Hannah and husband Jordan, Davis, Walker, Allie, McCain and Mary Katherine. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Mr. Sinclair was predeceased by a sister, Nina S. Greer and two brothers, Johnny Sinclair and Henry Sinclair.
Funeral services with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be held at 2:30 Sunday, February 21, 2021 at the Union Co. Stadium conducted by Rev. David Bauknight. Burial will be at Grace United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:30 PM Sunday at the stadium prior to the services.
Due to the current health crisis, COVID guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks are to be followed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 201 S. Church St., Union, SC 29379 or to Miracle League of Union Co., P.O. Box 425, Union, SC 29379.
The family will be at the home, 1374 Meansville Rd., Union.
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