Charles Thomas Fitts ’53

Tom, who launched the organ-transplant program at the Medical University of South Carolina and performed the first kidney transplant there in 1968, died of atrial fibrillation Nov. 4, 2008, in Charleston, S.C. His death came after 76 well-lived years.

Born in Jackson, Tenn., Tom graduated from The Hill School, where he excelled in track. He became such good friends there with Bob Leach and Bart Stryker that he roomed with them all four years at Princeton. Bob said he and Tom were perfect examples of symbiosis — that they helped each other, along with Bart as the steadying influence. Tom took his meals at Tiger Inn, majored in biology, and belonged to the premed society. After completing medical school at Penn and fulfilling his military obligations, Tom devoted his career to the medical profession.  

He was an unreconstructed Southerner, proud of being a staunch conservative, possessed of a dry wit, teller of tall tales, and lover of “gutbucket” music.  

He is survived by his wife, the former Marie Van Ohsen; sons Robert Casey and Matthew; daughters Layne Nelson, Amy Marvin, Ansley Sliker, Georgia Gagliardi, Kathyn, Summer, and Jenna; his brother, Michael; and 11 grandchildren. We share their loss.