CDR Thomas (Tom) J. Hall, USN (Ret.), age 93, went home to be with the Lord passing peacefully at home, outside in the sun, sitting in a comfortable chair, in his beloved backyard on Sunday, March 8th, 2026.
Tom was born in McCaskill, Arkansas on December 1st, 1932, to the late Robert and Christine Hall and his family soon moved to South Texas. After graduating from Freeport High School in Texas, Tom attended Texas A&M University and later the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School. He married Jean Ogden on December 28, 1957, after meeting her on a blind date.
Tom joined the U.S. Navy in 1956, learned to fly, became a carrier pilot, and qualified in 10 different aircraft including the North American carrier fighter F-J-2/-3 Fury Sabrejet and the Grumman anti-submarine airplane S-2F Tracker. Tom proudly served with VU-7, VA-122, VS-35, and the VS-33 "World Famous Screwbirds” squadrons. Tom’s assignments include Western Pacific cruises aboard the USS HORNET (CVS-12) and USS BENNINGTON (CVS-20); USS WASP (CVS-18) ship’s company as Assistant Air Boss; South East Asia Treaty Organization staff, Bangkok, Thailand; Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Forces (CINCLANFLT) Headquarters Watch Floor staff, Norfolk, VA; and CINCLANTFLT Airborne Command Post Scope Light Operations Officer, Langley Air Force Base, VA. During the Vietnam War, Tom was awarded the U.S. Navy Air Medal (with strike/flight numeral “1”). Tom retired after 25 years of faithful and honorable service as a Commander.
After retirement from the U.S. Navy, Tom decided to be his own boss and start a business. Tom began his business ventures by first purchasing numerous laundromats in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk, VA area. This was followed by Tom starting Hall’s Used Appliances which was located on Waverly Drive in Virginia Beach, VA. Tom eventually opened Hall’s Maytag on South Rosemont Road, Virginia Beach, VA, which closed in 2015 after 29 years of service to the local community.
Tom was a loyal member of the Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, VA for over 40 years where he served as a deacon and supported the Food Pantry Ministry.
Tom enjoyed square dancing with his wife Jean, fishing, gardening (expertise was in raising tomatoes), restoring and maintaining a 1953 MG TD Roadster sports car (family fondly refers to it as the little red car), and most importantly spending time with his family and friends.
Tom is survived by his 2 children: Brian J. Hall (spouse Carol), Denise Butler (spouse David); 6 grandchildren: Holly Eastman (spouse Chris), Whitney Robinson (spouse Steve), Andrew Butler (spouse Mary), Catherine OBrien (spouse Eric), Amy Butler, and Melanie Hall; and 5 great grandchildren: Eliana Eastman, Hadley Robinson, Gabriela Eastman, and baby boy Robinson and baby Butler (both expected to arrive sometime this summer).
Tom was predeceased by his sisters Christy DiGuardi and Dorothy (Corky) Gilliam and is survived by his brother Robert (Bobby) Hall.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11th, from 5-7 pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home at 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA. The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, April 12th from 2-3 pm at Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, 4392 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA. A graveside service will be held at 10 am on Monday, April 13th at Rosewood Memorial Park, 631 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA.
