Thomas English Addis Jr

Thomas English Addis, Jr. was born March 25, 1920 in Newport News, VA to Isabella Roy and Thomas E. Addis. Sisters were Alice and Helen and brother Richard. He showed an early aptitude in lettering and art as well as track and field which continued into his college years. He also served in the Army Air Corp on the Island of Guam in the south Pacific during WW II under General Curtis Lemay. His artistic talent was utilized in drawing maps and charts.

After WWII, he attended the University of Georgia and finished a degree in Fine Arts. He returned to Virginia and worked as a technical draftsman and artist for Riddick Advertising.

Tom met Dorothy Sheldon through friends at a church social event in Richmond. They fell in love and were ultimately married in Tucson, AZ June 12, 1948. Pastor Dr. Beal tied the knot so tight it never came undone. They returned to Virginia for 5 years where their first 2 daughters were born.

Faith and family drew Tom and Dorothy back to Tucson in 1953. Dad started his own sign business using his garage and the public payphone on the empty lot next door. Addisigns continues to be a success today.

His legacy is a love of God and faith in Jesus made stronger by his wife of 67 years. He is survived by 5 children - Patricia Sheaffer, Karen Patton, Pamela Johnson, Richard Addis, Michael Addis, 14 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren. He met his Heavenly Father on Father’s Day June 20th, 2021 and is reunited with the love of his life Dottie.

Service at East Lawn

5801 E. Grant Rd.

2:00 Friday July 2nd, 2021