Tyson Wayne McCormick, of Charleston, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2025 at the age of 49. He was born July 27, 1976 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, son of the late Terry Wayne McCormick and Carol Smoak Rast. He was academically motivated, and very involved with the youth of North Gate Baptist Church and the Boy Scouts of America.
A graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Tyson completed undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston and a graduate degree at The Citadel. He was an educator for 27 years, beginning his career at Schroeder and CE Williams Middle Schools. He dedicated the last 20 years to Academic Magnet High School, where he led the Summer Scholars freshman orientation program, was the Science Department Head, and organized and managed countless trips abroad. He was a National Board Certified Teacher and AMHS Teacher of the Year – he was a mentor and colleague, and friend to many. His passion for science, travel, and his love for his students, defined a marked career.
Tyson loved the beach, perhaps being more comfortable in or under the water than anywhere else. He had an intense and contagious enthusiasm for travel, spending many summers in cultural and language immersion programs abroad. His bold love for life carried him forward and often encouraged those around him.
He is survived by his husband, Scott Alexander Hendrix of Charleston; stepmother Vicki McClure McCormick of Orangeburg; sister Jaime McCormick Moorer (Guy), nephew Chandler (Cassie) and niece Chloe of Cope, SC; half-brother Timothy William McCormick of Simpsonville, SC; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will take place Monday, November 17th, 2025, from 4:30pm – 7:00pm at Founder’s Hall, located within Charles Towne Landing in Charleston, SC.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to fund the Tyson W. McCormick Raptor Explorer Award, a scholarship endowment established with the Academic Magnet Foundation to honor his legacy. Tyson believed in the transformative power of global experiences and cultural understanding. This fund will support students at Academic Magnet High School by providing financial assistance for participation in school-sponsored international trips. Learn more at www.RaptorExplorerAward.com .
Alternatively, you may consider a memorial gift to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX or the National Brain Tumor Society.
The family wishes to express much gratitude and appreciation for the generous love and support of all our family, friends, neighbors and work families, as well as the gifted individuals of MD Anderson Cancer Center, Hollings Cancer Center, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel