Charles "Tom" Thomas Clise Jr., 78, of Hedgesville, W.Va., formerly of Frostburg, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at WVU Medicine Berkley Medical Center, Martinsburg, W.Va. Born on Sept. 7, 1945, in Lonaconing, he was the son of the late Charles Thomas Clise, Sr. and Ruth Beckley (Doub) Clise.

Tom was a 1963 graduate of Valley High School, where he played in the band. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves-372nd MP Unit based in Lonaconing. After graduation, he went on to machinist school in Pittsburgh. Following machinist school, he purchased the Clise Septic Tank Company, Inc. where he handled the pumping and installation of septic tanks. He later moved onto manufacturing septic tanks with his company, the Tri-State Concrete Company. And then in 1974, he developed Clise Coal Company, Inc., which he ran for nearly 40 years before retiring.

He started drag racing in the 1960's, later moving onto stock cars. He became one of the top drivers in the area, racing on both dirt and asphalt. At various times, he held the title of track champion at Bedford Speedway, Ebensburg Speedway, and twice at Cumberland Speedway. His most prestigious win came in 1989 when he won the Winchester 200. In 1990, he started TC Race Cars and his son, Chuck, now runs the company.

He is survived by his children, Charles Thomas Clise III (Mandi) and Carrie Ann Sheinfeld (Brian); six grand-children, Morgan Blank, Charles Thomas Clise IV, Elizabeth Clise, Devon Blank, Rachel Sheinfeld, and Julia Sheinfeld; and his sister, Virginia Clise.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Lonaconing. A memorial service will follow, at 3 p.m., with Pastor Chris Skidmore officiating.