Thomas Dean “T.J.” Jefferson, Sr., 74, husband of Sharon Denise Gibson Jefferson for 38 years, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Mr. Jefferson was born in Walhalla to the late Robert Allen Jefferson and Georgie Loucille Collins Jefferson. He was a member of Word of Life Ministries. T.J. was a veteran of the US Army and the owner of TJ’s Scrap Metal & Recycling Center. He enjoyed fishing, motorcycles, Hot Rods and collecting antique cars. He was a hard worker and a master delegator to his underlings. His greatest joy was spoiling Sharon and being Papa J to his grandchildren.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, Ricky Jefferson with wife Doneila, and Tommy Jefferson, Jr.; two daughters, Tracy Gail Jefferson, and Anita Towne with husband Richard; a daughter-in-law, Shannon; two sisters, Linda Stephens and Becky Ashworth; fourteen grandchildren, Ricky Jefferson, Jr. with wife Kayla, Cameron Jefferson with wife Michelle, Derek Jefferson with wife Courtney, Logan Bragg, Brianna Lockaby with husband Brad, Bailey Jefferson, Blake Jefferson, Kyra Hawkins, Meagan Jefferson with fiancé Treston, Tommy Jefferson III, Dakota Sterling, Elijah Towne, Micah Towne and Levi Towne; and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Heath Jefferson; a brother, Dale Jefferson; a sister, Donna Peterson; a granddaughter, Emily Towne; and a great-grandson, Jeremiah.

A Celebration of TJ’s Life will be 1:30 Tuesday at Word of Life Ministries. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 12 noon. Burial, with Military Honors, will be in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Word of Life Ministries, 1023 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.