Thomas Raymond Barstow

Tom devoted 35 years to the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department, serving from 1980 to 2015. He rose to the rank of Fire Chief and also served as Emergency Preparedness Director, leading the department with a steady hand and earning the respect of the people who served alongside him. After retiring, he and Sherry moved to Rutherford County, North Carolina — and it wasn’t long before he found his way back to serving, volunteering with the Green Hill Volunteer Fire Department. For Tom, it was never really about the title. It was about the work, and the people.

He was the kind of person who always had to be doing something — whether that was tackling a project around the house or helping a neighbor fix a fence, haul something heavy, or sort out whatever needed sorting. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, delivering to folks in the area who needed it. He loved animals too and had a soft spot for dogs — his dog Max rarely left his side.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sherry Barstow; his son, Justin Barstow, and daughter-in-law, Thuy Barstow; his brother, Tim Barstow; and his sister, Kay Lane. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom believed in something bigger than himself, and he showed that belief in the way he lived — looking out for others, showing up when it mattered, and treating people well.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.