Thomas Wood Bradshaw Jr.

Thomas Wood Bradshaw, Jr., passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, at the age of 87. A lifelong Raleigh resident, devoted public servant, and joyful champion of the community he loved, Tom lived a life rooted in service, curiosity, and people.

Born on October 22, 1938, Tom never strayed far from Raleigh—physically or in spirit. He believed deeply in the city, its future, and the power of neighbors working together. He also believed in a good story, a quick laugh, and never missing a chance to brag about the people he loved most.

Above all, Tom was devoted to his wife of 64 years, Mary Mac —the great love of his life and his proudest partnership. He delighted in telling anyone who would listen how long they’d been married, recounting the story of their first date, and highlighting Mary Mac’s own extraordinary impact. Their marriage was a source of constant admiration, a lot of teamwork and lots of laughter.

Together, Tom and Mary Mac raised four children: Tripp (Susan), Davis (Shayla), McLean, and Michael (Jeanne). Tom was a proud grandfather to T.W., Ellen, Susie, Hall, Caroline, Smith, Hayden, Cooper, and William, and a delighted great-grandfather to Ruby. Nothing made Tom happier than spending time with his family if it involved conversation, celebration, or telling the same favorite stories one more time.

A graduate of Broughton High School, Tom’s Raleigh roots ran deep. His first job at Harvey’s Food Store paid 25 cents an hour and took him across town making deliveries.

Tom was a “paper boy” until he and Mary Mac married. He began his professional career on the advertising staff of The News & Observer before transitioning into real estate, where he rose to become Vice President of North Hills, Inc. and President of North Hills Realty At the same time, he jumped headfirst into civic life through the Raleigh Jaycees, igniting a lifelong commitment to public service.

In 1969, Tom was elected to the Raleigh City Council, and just two years later—at age 32—became the youngest mayor in the city’s history. He brought energy, optimism, and ambition to the role, championing initiatives that strengthened infrastructure, expanded parks, supported downtown revitalization, launched early greenway efforts, secured the Falls Lake water supply, and helped bring the North Carolina Symphony to Raleigh. He later served as founding chairman of the Triangle J Council of Governments and held leadership roles with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He also served as mayor of Bald Head Island, North Carolina, a place he dearly loved and where he treasured time spent with his family.

In 1977, Tom was appointed Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, where he led a transformative era for the state’s transportation system. His expertise eventually took him to Wall Street, where he built a distinguished career advising state and local governments across the country—always with the same enthusiasm and conviction he brought to Raleigh.

Despite his national reach, Tom never lost sight of home. He chaired the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and NC Citizens for Business and Industry (now the NC Chamber), served as Vice Chairman of the North Carolina Global TransPark Authority, Executive Director of the North Carolina State Ports Authority, President of the Triangle United Way, served on the Saint Augustine's University Board of Trustees and remained an active and beloved member of the Raleigh Kiwanis Club. Among his many commitments, Tom was especially proud of his service in the North Carolina National Guard and his volunteer roles on countless civic and nonprofit boards, always guided by a desire to open doors for others.

Tom often credited the YMCA with opening many doors for him early in life, including providing him with his first pair of tennis shoes. His gratitude became a lifelong commitment, and he went on to serve the YMCA in a variety of meaningful volunteer leadership roles. Upon receiving the YMCA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Tom shared that he grew up in a public housing project nine blocks from the YMCA. Invited there at age seven, he found a place that felt like another home for the rest of his life.

That belief in opportunity—once given, then passed on—also shaped Tom’s deepest calling: education. Inspired by the public school teachers who mentored him early in life, he became a tireless advocate for strong public schools and believed deeply that education was the foundation of opportunity. Over five decades, he played a key role in nearly every successful Wake County Public School System bond campaign and served the Public School Forum of North Carolina for more than 30 years, including as chair.

Tom was known for his boundless energy, quick wit, and unmistakable warmth. He had a gift for bringing people together, making others feel welcome, and pushing for progress with both kindness and determination. He was an enthusiastic and longtime NC State Wolfpack Club Member and fan, proudly wearing his red and attending games whenever he could. Tom loved a good conversation, especially about Raleigh’s future, the importance of education, or—most of all—how lucky he was to be loved by Mary Mac.

In every role he played—public servant, leader, mentor, advocate, church elder, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend—Tom brought optimism, and heart. He lived fully, laughed often, and cared deeply until the very end. His family is profoundly proud of the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be missed dearly, but there is comfort in knowing his familiar voice and warm smile live on in the memories of so many.

The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to Mary Guthrie, Melissa Collins and Transitions LifeCare.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 31st at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4921 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609. A reception will immediately follow at North Ridge Country Club, 6612 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, to celebrate Tom’s life and commitment to service, memorial gifts may be made to Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Foundation, Inc. 4921 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609, or the YMCA of the Triangle’s Annual Campaign, 801 Corporate Center Dr., Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.