Thomas Thornton Earles III

Thomas Thornton Earles, III, died at his home in Culpeper, Va., on Sunday, May 29, 2011. He was born June 27, 1942, in Danville, Va., to Thomas “Tommy” T. Earles, Jr. and Helen Gravely Earles. He received his B.S. from Lynchburg College in 1964 and his M.Ed. from the University of Virginia in 1968.

Tom taught chemistry at Culpeper County High School for 32 years. He was a favorite teacher among students because of his fun, easy-going style in the classroom and passion for the subject. He was a strong believer in turning children on to science at an early age and will be remembered for his “Chemical Curiosities” program, which he presented countless times over the years at elementary schools and community events throughout the region.

Although Tom was probably best known as a teacher, he was also a talented gardener. Every summer he planted more tomatoes than he could have possibly eaten by himself, because he delighted in sharing the harvest with friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed having neighborhood kids come over and learn about gardening by helping him plant squash and cucumbers or pick blueberries. In addition to having a prolific garden, Tom’s yard is a virtual arboretum, with an amazing variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers that he had planted over the years.

Tom was an avid hiker throughout his adult life, whether as a trip leader for the Boy Scouts or with his family. He especially loved Old Rag and Hawksbill in the Blue Ridge, both of which he hiked dozens of times.

He also enjoyed target shooting and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He helped many young people develop marksmanship skills. Nothing gave him more pleasure than for one of his students to shoot a higher score than he did, which was no small feat.

Tom was a regular blood donor and had donated over 20 gallons. In his words, blood donation was a way of expressing gratitude for his own good health.

Those who knew him closely will especially remember Tom’s affinity for animals. He leaves behind two cats, Peaches and Buster, and had recently lost his sweet dog, Cookie. In addition to his own pets, he was a friend to all the neighborhood dogs and cats. He’d often carry dog biscuits in his pocket when he’d go for his daily walks, so he could surprise his canine buddies with a little treat. He took great pleasure in looking after neighbors’ pets when they were away.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; by his former wife, Martha; and by his longtime companion, Margaret “Peggy” Walker. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew Earles and Christina Deal Earles, and grandsons, Jackson and Connor Earles, of Boulder, Colorado; his daughter, Laura Earles, of Moscow, Idaho; his sister, Betty Earles, of White Plains, N.Y.; and Peggy Walker’s children and grandchildren, including Jimmy and Ann Walker of Culpeper, Susan Walker Graves of Madison, Jane and Jim Floyd of Wilmington, N.C., and their respective children, Carlynn Walker, Ashton and Sarah-Margaret Graves, and Megan Floyd Davis and Ryanne Floyd, who were all like family to him.

A remembrance and celebration of Tom’s life will be held for his family and friends on Sunday, June 5th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Earles family residence. Clore-English Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. A private burial will follow in Danville, Virginia, the following week. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s name to the Culpeper County Library, 271 Southgate Shopping Center, Culpeper, VA 22701the Culpeper County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1224, Culpeper, VA 22701or a charity of one’s choice.