Dozens of tow truck drivers line up Tuesday in Bluffton to pay tribute to one of their own
Drivers heading down Simmonsville Road on Tuesday afternoon were greeted by 50-60 tow trucks lined along the road to flash their lights as a way to honor and celebrate the life of one of their own.
The procession was organized in honor of Thomas “Tommy” Burrows III, whose funeral was held at Sauls Funeral Home. As the 2 p.m. service approached, dozens of tow trucks made their way across town and lined the shoulder of Simmonsville Road.
After the service, the procession of trucks was scheduled to head back to Tommy’s Towing on May River Road, said Bluffton Police Department spokesperson Bonifacio Perez. An American flag will be strung above the street in front of Tommy’s Towing by a fire truck, Perez said.
Burrows, who was the owner of Tommy’s Tire and Towing in Bluffton, died Saturday at the age of 53, according to an obituary. Operated by the same family since the 1970s, Tommy’s Tire and Towing was purchased by Burrows in 2008.
The father of eight grew up in Bluffton, quickly becoming “a staple of the community” as his company grew. Burrows worked diligently to build his business, but “lived life in the fast lane” when he was off-duty. The towing company owner loved race cars, gardening, holiday decorations and camping with his children and grandchildren, according to his obituary.
“Tommy will forever be seen driving in his wrecker, windows down and waving at every person he passed,” the obituary reads.
This story was originally published October 18, 2022 at 4:07 PM.
