Thomas Beckham Day

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas B. Day, USAF, Retired, husband, father, grandfather and celebrated artist passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 14, 2023 in Tampa, FL. Tom, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Torrance, California to Samuel and Elizabeth Day. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1969 and completed an overseas tour in Japan where he met his loving wife, Hatsumi. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Troy University. Upon receiving his degrees, he returned into the military as an officer and was selected to attend the prestigious United States Air Force Test Pilot School. Upon graduation from TPS, he dedicated 20 years of his life to service to his country, primarily at the Aeronautical Systems Center at Eglin AFB, earning the Senior Officer Aircrew Wings and accomplishing 10 years of flying experience testing 29 different aircraft and their capabilities. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Upon his retirement, Tom worked as a lead engineer and program manager for Boeing.

In 2009, Tom’s life changed when he suffered a debilitating stroke that left him with right-sided hemiparesis and aphasia, a communication disorder that made it difficult to speak and express himself, however his intellect and understanding were always fully intact. With the enduring support of his wife, Hatsumi, Tom became involved with the Speech and Language Clinic and Aphasia Support Group at the University of South Florida, where he began to draw in order to help him communicate. Despite never having an interest in art prior to his stroke, and with the encouragement of his family, speech therapists and art therapists, Tom discovered an extraordinary natural ability he never knew before, developed a new passion and trained himself to oil paint with his non-dominant left hand. Tom participated for many years in the Art-in-Health’s Art Studio for Aphasia project at USF, as well as hosted many art exhibitions around Tampa. Tom’s paintings focused on landscape and the natural world he enjoyed, including photographs that he and Hatsumi would take together as well as past travels. Tom maintained an art blog called “Artist by Day” located at http://tartistday.blogspot.com. Tom’s resilience of the heart, determination, generosity, humor and unforgettable smile taught and inspired so many. Through his art, his legacy will live on and continue to inspire others for years to come to persevere and triumph in life.

Tom is survived by his adoring wife of 50 years, Hatsumi; daughter, Yuki, daughter Mina and her husband Robert Proietto, son Tom and wife Nicole. Tom was a doting Papa to 7 grandchildren, Aidan, Caimin, Rory, Cerys, Rylan, Alina and Beckham. He is also survived by his sister and best friend, Susan and her husband Patrick, brother Ned and his wife Glenna, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. A memorial service will occur Monday, February 27, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. A committal service with military honors will occur Monday, February 27, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33708. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s extraordinary life.