!!Updated Service Information!!

The service to celebrate the life of Tommy Lett will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026 at First United Methodist Church of Marion. The family will receive friends in the Reception Hall of the church following the service.

William Thomas Lett, 78, of Marion, South Carolina passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Mr. Lett was born July 16, 1947, the son of the late John Denson Lett, Sr. and Gladys Britt Lett. He graduated from Marion High School in 1965 and received a B.A. degree in English from the University of South Carolina. He taught at A.C. Flora High School and C.A. Johnson High School in Columbia before returning to Marion and accepting a position at Avalon Academy in Dillon. During his first year at Avalon, he organized the Beta Club, the school yearbook, and literary magazine. The first edition of the yearbook was dedicated to him. During his four year tenure as English teacher, he was the recipient of the Dillon County STAR Teacher award. After ten years as headmaster, he retired from education.

In 1986, Mr. Lett was named Director of the Marion County Museum. Under his guidance, the Friends of the Museum grew and became a force in contributing to the success of the museum. He started the popular Wonderful Wednesday programs and hosted the lavish Affairs to Remember fundraisers. He led the drive to restore the façade of the museum to its original late 19th century appearance. None of Mr. Lett's efforts would have succeeded had it not been for the hard work and devotion of the members of the Friends of the Museum.

Mr. Lett was a member of Marion First United Methodist Church where he had served on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees and was presently serving as church historian. He was a Board member and past president of the Marion County Historical Society and a Board member and past president of the Marion County Arts Council. Mr. Lett had served on the Board of Directors of the Marion Chamber of Commerce as Vice-President and President. In 1997 the chamber awarded Mr. Lett its highest honor, the Community Service Award. For 15 years, Mr. Lett was a representative from Marion on the Pee Dee Heritage Foundation. As the owner of W. Thomas Lett Interiors, he worked in homes along the east coast and one home in London. For many years he traveled to England with Dorothy Ellis buying antiques for her shop Theodosia's.

Surviving Mr. Lett are a sister, Peggy L. Skinner of Sumter; brother, Joe C. Lett and his wife, JoAnn of Florence; his sister-in-law, Joyce W. Lett of Mullins; his niece, Beth Alford and her husband, Ken of Sumter; a nephew, Ray Skinner and wife, Kathy of Buford, Georgia; nephew, Jason Skinner of Sumter; nieces, Allyson Lett of Marion and Michelle Lett of Pawleys Island; great-nephews, Logan Hennecy, Denson Crisler, and Grayson Odom; great-niece, Victoria S. Bibb; two great-great nieces and a great-great nephew as well as a host of cousins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lett was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Jack Skinner and his brother, John Denson Lett, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Marion with the Reverend Nick Lyerly officiating. The family will receive friends in the Reception Hall of the church following the service.

Memorials may be sent to Marion First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 155, Marion, South Carolina 29571.

Meares Funeral Home of Mullins is in charge of arrangements.