Thomas E. Haigler, Jr.

 Thomas E. Haigler Jr., affectionately known as "Papi" by his youngest daughter, peacefully passed away into eternal rest on December 16, 2024. Born on February 28, 1940, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to the late Thomas E. Haigler Sr. and Lillie Mae Dantzler Haigler, he was raised alongside his brothers Robert, David, and Willie. As the oldest son, leadership was the cornerstone of his life, exemplified in every action, word, and deed. A dedicated educator, proud veteran, family confidant, and active community member, Thomas loved his family deeply and worked tirelessly to preserve and document the rich Haigler family history.

Thomas had a passion for learning. He was always intrigued by "the why" and never hesitated to explain his point of view based on facts. As a child, he could often be found reading a book while his peers played outside, a habit that carried through to his academic pursuits. As a graduate of the class of 1958 at Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, he was a member of the National Honor Society, and the HighLight Society. He lent his melodious voice to the Cavalier Chorus.

On December 16, 1959, Thomas was initiated into the Beta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, proudly serving two terms as chapter president. He also served as Associate Editor of the college newspaper, The Collegian. He graduated from South Carolina State College in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Physics. During his time in college, he was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation.

Thomas served his country both in the U.S. and abroad, ultimately achieving the rank of Major. His fourteen-year military career took him worldwide, with tours in Frankfurt, Germany; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; and Fort Riley, Kansas. He also served in combat in Korea and Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged on December 1, 1976.

After his military service, Thomas pursued his passion for learning and education, earning a Master's degree in High School Science Education from the University of South Carolina. He furthered his expertise with certifications in Educational Administration and earned a Principal’s Certificate. A lifelong advocate for education, Thomas taught high school chemistry and physics in Florence School District 2, the Chesterfield County Public School System, and the Clayton County Public School System. He was recognized for his contributions to science education, being named an Outstanding Mathematics and Science Teacher by the Tandy Radio Shack Corporation and honored in Who's Who as both a college student and educator.

Beyond his career, Thomas was affiliated with various organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the American Association of Physics Teachers, the South Carolina Association of Chemistry Teachers, and the South Carolina Section of the American Chemical Society. He also served on the South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and State Beautification Committee by appointment of the Governor.

An avid genealogist, Thomas actively participated in the planning of the Haigler Family reunions, which spanned from Orangeburg, South Carolina to New York City. He was the author of Cooking Heritage: Emphasis on Southern Soul Food and Other Ethnic Dishes, a cookbook where he shared cherished family recipes and culinary traditions. The cookbook’s dedication explains his desire for his daughters to be ready when Americans returned to the kitchen.

In his spare time, Thomas enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening, listening to his extensive record collection, researching various topics of interest, and practicing photography.

Thomas is preceded in death by his brothers Robert (Sue Carol) Haigler and David Haigler, Sr., and his former wife, Audrey Tobiclaire Robinson Haigler Kirven.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Johnson Haigler, of Timmonsville, South Carolina; his daughters, Angela Marguerite Haigler of Charlotte, North Carolina; Allison Leslee (William) Aristide of Miami, Florida; and Patricia Diane Haigler of Florence, South Carolina; his stepson, Felix (Chablis) Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; and his grandson, William Thomas Aristide. He also leaves behind a brother, Willie Haigler, Sr. (Zhiying Li) of Fontana, California; a half-sister Joella Nipper of Queens, New York; a sister-in-law, Melvina Haigler of Blythewood, South Carolina; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving family members and friends.

A life well-lived, Thomas’s dedication to leadership, service, and education, along with his concern for his community, will never be forgotten. His legacy endures through his family, friends, students, and all whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.

Please keep the family of Thomas Edward Haigler, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks loved ones to donate to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Homes for Veterans, The Black Veterans Project, or other Veterans' organizations.