Dr. Thomas Jackson Babb

Dr. Thomas Jackson “Jack” Babb, of Little River, left his earthly home on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.  He entered his heavenly home and now resides with the Lord and is in the presence of all who have made the journey before him. 

He was born in Hertford, N.C. to Everette Duke Babb and Irene Layden Babb on July 26, 1930.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Helen Virginia Babb Bowen and Alice Lee Babb.  He is survived by his niece, Mary Gordon Bowen Strickland and her husband Frank of Little River.  He also leaves behind countless numbers of students whom he taught, mentored and befriended over the course of his life.  He loved his academic family.  He entered his teaching career at Michigan College of Mining and Technology in Houghton, Mich.; but his true calling would be found at West Liberty State College, now West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV.  His tenure at West Liberty spanned 31 years from 1961 until retiring in 1992.  He retired as emeritus professor of marketing.  The job ended, but his love for his students endured. He spent his entire life helping students seek and find their greatest potential in life and giving them a demand for excellence and a valuable academic experience.

Jack was listed in a multitude of publications from Who’s Who in the East, Who’s Who in Advertising, Outstanding Educators of America and Community Leaders in America.  He loved marketing and advertising.  He developed this love while in school.  After high school, he ventured to Greenville, S.C., enrolling in Bob Jones University where he earned his BS degree, then on to Knoxville, TN, where he completed a MS Degree from the University of Tennessee.  While teaching at West Liberty, he attended school in Columbus, Ohio, which would earn his PhD from Ohio State University. 

Jack loved his Lord and his country.  He proudly served his country from 1952 until August 1956.  His last command was with the 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton in California.  He often recounted his adventures and relished his time served especially in the Marine Division.  It was such an honor being the gentleman as he surely was.  He served his students, his Episcopal Church, the Lions Club and his country.  A job well done. 

Funeral services will be held on March 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on 11th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach.  Burial will be at a later date at West Lawn Cemetery in Elizabeth City, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dr. Thomas Babb Scholarship as follows:  WLU Foundation, 208 University Drive, CUB 126, West Liberty, WV 26074.

A guest book is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.