This write up is from the Greater Columbia Hall of Fame – Gene Tinman was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1975 after serving as a bowling center manager in Columbia longer than any other man. Tinman has been active in the work of the GCBA Board and is one of the people instrumental in the founding of the Local and State Junior Associations.
Obituary 1-3-2019
Gilbert-Gene C. Tinman, 89, met his heavenly father Thursday, January 3, 2019. In his baptism, he was adopted as a child of God, incorporated into Christ and His body, the church, and was marked with the Cross of Christ forever. Having died a death like Christ’s, Gene now takes claim to Christ’s Easter promise of resurrection like His and eternal life with Him.
Gene was a devoted husband and father, married to Rebekah Sease February 14, 1953. His children, Lisa Harper, Tammy (Jerry) Douglas, Tim Tinman, and Scott (Mary) Tinman honored and respected him with much love. Grandchildren are Melissa (Todd) Hendrix, Wesley (Nancy) Harper, Melanie Harper (Gary LeMaster), Thomas Douglas, Heather (Tommy) Corley, Meredith (Ben) Schimek, and Emily (Doug) Jones. Gene and Rebekah are blessed with 10 great-grandchildren; Caleb Hendrix, Ava and Andi Harper, Braxton and Payton LeMaster, Maddox and Harper Corley, Lillian and Evelyn Schimek, and Ryland Jones; brothers, Dan (Nancy) Tinman and Don (Pat) Tinman; sister, Linda (Bob) Jackson; sisters-in-law, Barbara Tinman and Doris Tinman. He was predeceased by brothers, Bill Tinman and Jack Tinman, and a sister, JoAnn Goodwin.
Gene was a great ambassador to his vocation of bowling devoting over 40 years to the sport. He was honored by his induction into city of Columbia, city of Florence, and state of South Carolina Hall of Fames. These inductions included both Men and Youth bowling.
Gene touched many lives through his love of people, music, and sports. His community activities included Jaycees, Optimist, Kiwanis, Community Theater, Heart Association (Cayce Man of the Year), and all of his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities. He was instrumental in organizing South Carolina High School Bowling League and South Carolina Senior Olympics. Gene was also an avid Gamecock fan, Go Cocks!
Music was an integral part of his life. Gene sang in church choirs, weddings, social and organizational groups; such as USC Master Singers, Barbershoppers, and local theaters.
Gene loved his country and served with the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Lexington American Legion Post 0007.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 246 St. Paul’s Church Road, Gilbert, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission Committee of 100. Mail to Kevin Wicker, 977 Quail Drive, Walterboro, SC 29488.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Lutheran Hospice.
Information from Barr Price Funeral Home and Crematorium.
