Thad Dean Tinsley, Sr. was born, on January 6, 1937, to the late Geneva Tinsley in Spartanburg County. He was educated in Spartanburg County schools and graduated from Benjamin E. Mays High School. He later enlisted in the United States Army. Thad married his devoted wife the late Shirley Murray Tinsley and from that union four children were born. He owned and operated a construction company for many years. Thad retired from Spartanburg Herald Journal after over 20 of years of service.

Thad enjoyed working on word puzzles and was a jokester. He was always willing to help anyone and was an extremely hard worker.

Thad was a lifetime member of the New Zion Baptist Church where he served as a senior deacon and a member of the busy bee sympathy club.

He was preceded in death, along with his parents, by siblings, Bonnie Mallory and Melvin Black.

Left to cherish his memories are daughter, Angela A. Tinsley of Cowpens, SC; sons, Morton (Brenda) Tinsley, Claude Dean Tinsley, and Thad Dean Tinsley, Jr.; brother, Paul (Marie) Tinsley of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Des Tinsley, Chad Miller, Whitney Scott, Ashley Swindler, Charidy Young, Le'Quisha Tinsley, Devonte` Tinsley, Janiyah Young; Zion Griffin, and Alya Montgomery, and host nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

On November 3, 2023, Thad transitioned peacefully at his home. His comedic and generous spirit will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him.