CONCORD, N.C. - A devoted champion of children in need and a decorated war veteran, Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) National Executive Director Emeritus and retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Sadler, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Sadler bravely served his country for four decades then dedicated his life to serving children through Speedway Children's Charities for nearly 25 years.
"Gen. Sadler was an outstanding man, not just for the sacrifices he made in service to his country, but also for the dedication he had for Speedway Children's Charities," said O. Bruton Smith, executive chairman of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. and founder of Speedway Children's Charities. "I hired him a long time ago to grow our charity and to help children, and he did that every day he worked for me. Gen. Sadler often said, 'When you look into the eyes of a child in need, you're looking into the eyes of God.’ He was incredibly dedicated to making a difference for kids who may not have been able to help themselves. General, you will be greatly missed."
A loving father and husband, Sadler was married to Mary Kenner Sadler, affectionately known as "Miss Ken," for 57 years before she passed away in 2008. Sadler is survived by his son, Tommy and daughter-in-law, Penny.