Thomas Creek Brewery cofounder Tom Davis, 'father of Upstate craft beer,' dies of cancer

Tom Davis, cofounder of Greenville brewing institution Thomas Creek Brewery, has died of ampullary cancer, according to posts on social media from brewery staff.

The brewery is considered Greenville's original craft brewery, and Davis was a key figure in the local beer community.

Founded in 1994 as Henni’s Brewpub in downtown Greenville, Thomas Creek Brewery has been family owned since 1998 by "taste master" Bill Davis and his son Tom, who was "brew master." The men set out on a mission to brew delicious handcrafted beers "focusing on a foundation of pristine Blue Ridge Mountain water," according to the brewery's website.

Years after its founding, the Thomas Creek brew team remained committed to making great craft beer, and the Davises welcomed other local brewers with open arms.

Tom was diagnosed with cancer on Oct. 19, and he returned home on hospice care before his death, according to a Facebook post by Thomas Creek Brewery.

The news of Tom's death sparked an outpouring of support on social media Wednesday as other brewers and industry professionals posted in memory of him.

"What can you say on a day like today? We’ve lost a friend, a mentor, and an important part of our local brewing family," Brewery 85 posted. "Without Tom Davis, there is no Brewery 85."

"We are heartbroken over the loss of Tom Davis. Tom was a great brewer, friend, family man, mentor, and person. He was a pioneer in the Upstate craft beer scene and his impact will be felt for many, many years to come," Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom posted. "We’re sending all our love to the Davis family & the @thomascreekbeer family - know that we, and so many others, are here for any help & support you need. We’ll be raising a pint for Tom today."

"Tom’s fingerprints are all over the South Carolina and southeastern craft beer landscape, and the alumni network that Thomas Creek has created is unrivaled here," Bristol Beverage Law posted. "Go to just about any brewery in the Upstate, and even into western North Carolina and eastern Georgia, and you’ll probably find a former Thomas Creek employee."

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Tom Davis, Greenville SC's Thomas Creek Brewery leader, dies