Obituary of Michael Thomason

Michael David Thomason, age 68, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side on Monday, December 16, 2024, at MUSC in Charleston SC.  

Born January 18, 1956 and raised in Taylors/Greenville SC, Michael was the youngest son of the late Lee Edward Thomason and the late Frances Madge Cunningham Thomason. He graduated with a degree in business administration from Gardner Webb College (now Gardner Webb University) and was a member of the Phi Beta Lambda business fraternity. It was at Gardner Webb that Michael met his future wife Christine Boehm, whom he married in 1979 in the chapel on campus.  

Following his passion for business and food, Michael attended the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and opened his own successful entrepreneurial venture, The Cutting Board Cafe in Lynchburg VA and also in Orlando FL. During his career Michael made his mark at many dining accounts and food companies with his outstanding work ethic, his love of delicious food, his cooking expertise, and his management skills in dining and client services, as well as in catering. Having lived throughout the South during Michael’s years in food service, he and Chris retired to the Caesar's Head area of Cleveland SC and to the Lugoff/Camden area of SC to be close to family.  

Michael was the epitome of a true Southern Gentleman, a Godly man, a loving husband, amazing father and "Granddaddy", and a wonderful friend. He loved history, southern rock music, bluegrass and jazz, scenic day trips to local farms for peaches and produce, sampling local foods, grilling, gardening, landscaping and yardwork, politics, good bourbon, and common sense, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved sharing his wisdom with his grandsons and attending their academic and athletic events, both near and far, as part of Fort Dorchester Youth Patriots (Charleston), Camden, or Gray Collegiate Academy.  

Michael is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Christine Cora Boehm Thomason of Cleveland and Lugoff SC, daughter Sarah Elise Thomason Freeman (Brad) of Camden SC, brother Richard Mauldin "Rick" Thomason (Ann) of Marshall NC, brother Walter Pierce "Walt" Thomason (Nina-deceased) of Greenville SC, 

sister-in-law Phyllis Thomason (Lee Edward “Tommy” Thomason-deceased) of Greenville SC, sister-in-law Bonnie-Leigh Boehm Jones (Bill-deceased) of White Stone VA, grandchildren Landon Michael Freeman, Maddox Cole Freeman, and Logan Brice Freeman of Camden SC and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his very special childhood friend John F. Tomlin and countless close friends of the family. 

Michael will be forever remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him. A service celebrating Michael’s life will be held in the new year.