James Dewitt Thacker ’55

James Dewitt Thacker ’55, of North Litchfield, S.C., died Sept. 21 at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital. He was 77. He was born in Rome, Ga., the son of James Dewitt Thacker and Mattie Thacker Johnson. He attended Davidson on a football scholarship, setting several college records. His 98-yard touchdown run in 1952 still stands as the longest on record for the Wildcats. He was inducted into Davidson’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He graduated with a degree in business administration, and then earned a master’s in financial management from the University of Tennessee after serving two years in the Army Security Agency. He spent the rest of his career with Union Carbide. Thacker and his wife, Phyllis, retired to North Litchfield in 1986. He was active in county and community affairs, including the Litchfield Beaches Property Owners Association, with a term as its president, membership in the Waccamaw Neck Council of Property Owners Associations, and service on several county boards and committees. His family said his wisdom and humor will be missed. In addition to his wife, Phyllis Thacker, 245 Windover Dr., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, he is survived by two sons, Tim and Thomas; two granddaughters, Amanda and Lindley; a sister, Betty; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Ben, and a brother, Brad.