Blacksmithing Scholarship honors Thomasville son – Thomasville Times-Enterprise
Published 11:38 am Sunday, September 21, 2025
By By Calista Sprague
THOMASVILLE — Thomas Wilson, son of Doug Wilson and Martha Jane Kipper, graduated from Thomasville High School with acceptance to attend Georgia Tech in 2021. He spent part of that summer in New York, visiting his girlfriend and exploring a new hobby — knife making. He took a two-day class from Steve Wayne, alumnus of the TV competition show “Forged in Fire,” returned home and tragically died by suicide only days later.
As a memorial, Steve Wayne founded the Thomas M. Wilson Scholarship and Blacksmithing Competition. Every September family, friends and “Forged in Fire” alumni and fans make the pilgrimage to Heather’s Heart Forge in Stephentown, NY, in remembrance of the bright, quiet young man who left an enduring impression on so many.
“Thomas was a very kind-hearted, sweet-spirited kid growing up. He loved his family, loved jokes and had a good sense of humor,” remembered Kipper, a local pharmacist. “He was very smart, beyond his years in many ways.”
“He was a really good kid,” agreed Wilson, owner of staffing and HR firm Ambassador. “He was super smart, loving and affectionate.” Thomas enjoyed working with his hands, from home repair projects to keeping his 1955 Chevy truck roadworthy. “He’d always enjoyed doing stuff with me. We did woodworking projects. We even turned the chicken coop behind our house into a three-bay barn.”
“He could be good at anything he tried to do,” added Kipper.
Wilson supported his son’s decision to enjoy his last summer before college rather than taking early admission to Georgia Tech. “You’ve got very limited time between high school and when you actually go to work. You should enjoy that time; it shouldn’t be all about stress,” he explained.
Thomas, a fan of “Forged in Fire,” was excited to attend the two-day class with Wayne, who quickly became a friend and mentor. “He was brilliant,” Wayne recalled. “He made two knives, which, you know, is a lot for somebody who’s never done it.”
Blacksmith, fiddle player and shade-tree philosopher, Wayne talked to Thomas not only about shaping metal into blades, but also about making music, developing a work ethic, and navigating life. “He did great. He left and then called me like eight times driving back to Georgia. We booked a week class for him, and I heard from him a couple more times, but then I didn’t hear from him again.”
“He was very proud of the knives he made and was excited to show them to me and everyone,” Kipper remembered. “I know he enjoyed his experience at the forge, and I am glad he got to experience a little bit of happiness during his last days.”
The competition in Thomas’ name will be held September 27 at Heather’s Heart Forge. The winner will receive a scholarship for a two-day class with Wayne. Anyone interested in supporting the event in honor of Thomas may contact Heather’s Heart Forge at (518) 888-6462.
