James Thomas "J.T." Tolson

Bishopville, SC

Mr. James Thomas "J.T." Tolson passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 44. Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Bethel United Methodist Church, with Pastor Frankie O’Cain and Pastor Ashli Young officiating. His sister, Rose Tolson Jordan, will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home and also after the committal service on Saturday at the Bay Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

Born on March 8, 1982, in Chesterfield, SC, J.T. was the son of James W. Tolson, Jr. and the late Marcia Adams Tolson. A Chesterfield High School graduate, Class of 2000, he was active in the FFA. He attended Northeastern Technical College and began his career working with his father at Tolson’s Pulpwood, earning the Regional Star in Agribusiness in his first year. His career included positions at Rhyne Lawn Care, N.D. Sellers Septic Services, and the SC Department of Juvenile Justice, focusing on grounds maintenance. For nearly 20 years, he has served as the Water Superintendent for the Town of Bishopville.

J.T. was devoted to community service as a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and a National Certified Firefighter with Bay Springs Volunteer Fire Department. He participated in The Lee County Farmer and Agribusiness chapter. Known for his love of the outdoors, farming, and animals, particularly goats, he was affectionately called the “Goat Man.” To his family and friends, he was known by many names, including Uncle Gorilla, Papa, Bro Bro, and Baby; but no matter the title, you knew you had a genuine friend!

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Beth” Whisenhunt Tolson; children, Angel Wilks (Preston), Victoria Purvis, Destiny Purvis, and Sophia Purvis; his father, James W. Tolson, Jr.; sister, Rose Tolson Jordan (Blake); grandchildren, Jackson R. Mcilwraith, Olivia P. Wilks, and Willow M. Wilks; his beloved nephews (whom he nicknamed his "3 Monkey's), Elyjah B. Jordan, Jeremiah G. Jordan, Benjamin J. Jordan; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents, James Tolson, Sr., Mary Lee Hancock Teal, Mary Dell Adams, and Thomas Jefferson Adams.

Memorials may be made to The Lee County Farmer and Agribusiness chapter c/o Beth Tolson, 617 Bethune Highway, Bishopville, SC 29010, where a scholarship will be established in his memory.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home in Chesterfield, SC is assisting the Tolson family.

 For more information, please visit www.mrcfuneralhome.com.