Thomas is predeceased by his parents, Truman Noel Hartz and Amalee Anita (Daniels) Hartz. Left to cherish his memories are his daughters, Laura Sullivan (spouse, Cliff Sullivan) and Jennifer Elinor Lynn; grandsons, Thomas Wheeler (spouse, Jeri Wheeler) and Travis Wheeler (spouse, Amanda Wheeler); great-grandsons, Dylan Wheeler, Gavin Wheeler, and Kyle Wheeler and brothers, Charles Hartz (spouse, Lucille Hartz) and Daniel Hartz (spouse, Barbara Hartz).
Thomas was born in 1942 in Portsmouth, VA. He enjoyed classical music, advanced math, hanging out at Krispy Kreme with his friends, collecting coins, and foosball. He played the clarinet extensively and was a member of the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra while attending ODU. For his own pleasure and others, he played classical music on the piano as well. His first job after attending Old Dominion and Perdue, was with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Mines. He was coauthor of a research paper stating that in mining operations, coal dust should be treated as a “gas” not as a “solid”. The United States has not had a major coal mine explosion since that paper. That same concept is also now used to prevent flour explosions in farm silos, for example.
The family would like to thank hospice and The Citadel for all of their wonderful care of Thomas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com for the Hartz family.
