James "Tommy" Thomas Whitten, age 71, of Prosperity, died August 8, 2024 at his home. Known as "Skeet" to many of his closest friends of a certain era, he was born May 12, 1953, in Columbia, SC, son of the late James Edward and Emily Wright Whitten

The most important things in Tommy's life were his family, friends, his dog Susie, sports and music.

He was a kindhearted, easy-going extrovert who never met a stranger. At any gathering, he was not happy until everyone there had been introduced to anyone they didn't know upon arrival. He was loyal and generous to his friends. He sprinkled his encyclopedic knowledge of popular music throughout conversations and would easily win if challenged in music trivia. And he held his own against any Whitten when it came to Andy Griffith/Mayberry trivia.

Sports were always a major focus in Tommy's life. He was happiest holding some kind of racket, club or ball in his hands. His Mother used to say that, when he was a toddler, if you took your eyes off him for too long, you'd soon find a ball or a toy of some kind whizzing past your head.

He grew up playing little league and pony league baseball at the old Eau Claire Park and Earlewood Park in Columbia. At the Eau Claire recreation center, he and a best friend became perennial ping pong champions, winning the state doubles title many times. Tommy was a 3-sport standout at Irmo High School. He was voted MVP in basketball and baseball in his Senior year at Irmo High School, as well as "Most Desire" in football. His final high school sports accolade was being selected to play in South Carolina's annual North-South All Star Basketball game in 1971. He came off the bench to jump-start the North squad, playing a key role in their victory. After his freshman year of college basketball at UNC Charlotte (1971-72), he accepted a scholarship offer to transfer to Newberry College, where he continued his outstanding play as a point guard and a team leader. He was voted Best Defensive Player in 1974. While attending Newberry he formed deep friendships that have lasted a lifetime among his classmates, his fraternity brothers, his teammates, and among opposing players. Tommy played city, county and AAU basketball for many years after graduating from Newberry, making friendships with teammates that would last a lifetime. He also played in the Volvo International tennis tournament for multiple seasons and met with success as both a double and singles player. He was a great golfer as well.

After college Tommy spent a few years as an accountant and then realized sales was where he belonged. He was a sales rep for J.H. Morales Sales Company for years and co-founder of Columbia's first sports bar, The Sports Club Bar & Grill. It was always the people that mattered the most to Tommy and some of his happiest years were those in which he played the role of Mr. Mom to his daughter Alexis and her cousins and friends.

He is survived by his wife Katie, his daughter Alexis McClester (Lance), his grandchildren Iris and Grayson, Sister Lynn Barley (Bill). brothers Paul Whitten, Stan Whitten (Beth) and Steve Whitten (Kristin) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 pm on August 18 at St Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 735 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036. The family will receive friends immediately following the services. Family and friends are then invited to a celebration from 4:30-6:30.at the Tipsy Toad, 103 Beaufort St C, Chapin, SC.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Liver Foundation or The National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Memories and messages may be shared with the family here on his tribute page at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.