Obituary of Frank "Todd" Shealy

Frank “Todd” Shealy, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62. He was born in Greenwood, South Carolina to Dr. Frank Wright Shealy (deceased) and Jeanne Anne Todd Shealy. 

Todd graduated from Greenwood High School where he played offensive lineman for the Eagles. He often shared special memories of his friends and those times together in school. Later, he attended the University of South Carolina and graduated with a degree in journalism. While in college, he was honored to be accepted into his father’s fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, where he made lifelong friends. Todd was an ardent supporter of USC’s sports programs, most particularly Gamecock football. He cheered from the stands when he could, but always urged them on from wherever he was at kickoff time.

Having never met a stranger, Todd could blend his way into any gathering, anytime, anywhere. He was a natural conversant and could make you feel like you had known him forever. A passionate cook, he loved creating new dishes – no recipe or list of ingredients was too challenging. He would spend all day preparing and then invite family and friends to share the bounty. He loved entertaining others and understood, as most great chefs do, that food nourishes our very soul.

A man of deep, abiding faith, Todd gave of himself to his church. Always ready to lend a hand, he was a caring man who believed in helping others. Empathetic and tender-hearted, he was open with his emotions. If he was moved to tears, he did not hide them.

Music was also part of Todd’s entertainment package, with beach and shag tunes leading the way. He loved to visit Pawleys Island, but almost any beach with sand would do. He liked frolicking in the waves and lying in the sun, favorite cool beverage in hand. But what he most loved was tossing the frisbee, searching for shells, and building castles with his children. 

Family was paramount to Todd, and his greatest treasure was spending time with his two daughters, Erin and Emma, and his son, Ethan. When he talked about them to others, his pride knew no boundaries. The endless depth of love he held for each of them will be forever entangled in their hearts. 

Water always spoke to Todd, whether the source be an ocean, a lake, or a river. He enjoyed water-skiing in his youth and boating throughout his lifetime. He relished being surrounded by one of nature’s most powerful connectors.

One of his recent Facebook posts combines his love of boats and water with a very timely, appropriate, and powerful message from Jimmy Buffett: 

"Grief is like the wake behind a boat. It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. And after a long time, the waters of your life get calm again, and that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine as bright and enduring as the stars above."

Todd will always be a shining star in our Heaven above. 

In addition to his mother, Todd is survived by his three precious children; Erin (Matthew) Forsell, Ethan Shealy, and Emma (David) McCaghren, as well as his two beautiful grandchildren, Harper Grace Shealy and Dalton Frank McCaghren. Also surviving are his three beloved sisters; Margaret (Graham) Hoskins, Jane (Ronald – deceased) Putnam, Caroline (Wade) Miller and several wonderful nephews and nieces. 

The family will receive friends at 10:00 am, Saturday, April 27, 2024 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1715 Bull Street, Columbia. Service will follow at 11:00 am in the chapel. Graveside service will take place at 3:00 pm in the family plot at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 531 Church Street, Little Mountain, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider a donation to Paws 4 Adoption (mail to Susan Bennett, 1136 Coatesdale Rd, Columbia SC 29209), or a contribution in Todd’s memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the "tribute wall" tab above.