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CORDOVA -- Within the dimly lit Cougars Den of Edisto High School, the four families said their final farewells to Larry Carlson Thomas.

Members of the Presbyterian College football team, former classmates, family and friends filled the gymnasium to commemorate his life on Wednesday.

Thomas earned several awards as a member of various Edisto Cougar athletic programs and his accomplishments did not go unnoticed.

"One day, I was scanning the sports page when I saw an account that Larry Carlson leaped into the air and caught a long pass for a touchdown," family friend Janie Burgess said. "Thinking I had some good news, I called Sandra (Thomas' mother) to tell her what I had read. She replied, 'That's not new. He's always been an outstanding athlete.' From that day forth, I kept up with his academic and athletic activity at Edisto High School and Presbyterian College, including traveling with the team."

According to Presbyterian head coach Bobby Bentley, Thomas gave everything he had on and off the field.

"Larry has shown me that if something is important to you," Bentley said, "then you can overcome all obstacles with work and determination."

Bentley continued to reflect on the things he would miss about "Mr. Cool," the nickname that Thomas was given by his college coach.

"Having the coolest-looking uniform," he continued. "I wish I could say one more time, 'Larry, pull your knee pads down.' He ran the best pivot route and post corner route that I've ever coached."

Ironically, the last ball Thomas caught at his final practice was a touchdown. With that in mind, Bentley informed those in attendance that the number 21, the number Thomas wore at Presbyterian and at Edisto, will be painted in the end zones at Bailey Memorial Stadium "because that's where Larry would want to be."

Thomas and his roommate Christopher Bowman had a lot of things in common, including their future goals.

"We talked about growing old together," the Blue Hose linebacker said, "having families and staying right beside each other. He'd play for the (Indianapolis) Colts and I'd play for the (Washington) Redskins."

Edisto athletic director Andy Palmer, who lost his brother in a car accident years ago, sympathized with the Thomas family.

"At one point, I will see my brother again," he told the family. "So, we shall see Larry again. At that point, we will come together. So I say this: My brother, Rick, is in heaven. He's greeting Larry now."

n T&D Sports Writer Emery Glover can be reached by e-mail at eglover@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5532. Check out his blog, Cover 2, at www.thetandd.com.

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