Gratten E. Tomlinson, 78, of Columbia, a retired minister and state convention staff member, died July 26, 2009.
Gratten TomlinsonBorn in Wauchula, Fla., he was a graduate of the University of Miami and New Orleans Baptist Seminary.
He served for 27 years with the South Carolina Baptist Convention as an associate for youth ministry in the Sunday school department. He retired in 1996.
He formerly was minister of education at Ashley River Baptist Church, Charleston. He also served numerous churches as interim minister of music, including Bayview Baptist, St. Matthews First Baptist, Gaston First Baptist, St. Andrews Baptist, Northwood Baptist, Kershaw Second Baptist and Park Street Baptist.
Tomlinson created a handbook for Sunday school growth campaigns, which he led in churches throughout South Carolina. He also led Sunday school conferences at Ridgecrest Conference Center.
He served as chaplain of the Columbia Civitan Club and served for 20 years as a board member for the YMCA.
He was an avid sportsman. He traveled extensively with his wife to foreign destinations. A model railroad enthusiast, he was past president of Associated Model Railroads of Columbia.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Pat Tomlinson, three children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.