Thomas Robert Hall

Tom was the son of the late Robert Joseph Hall and Dorothy Nowak Hall. He graduated from Springbrook High School in Maryland in 1968 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1973. That education became the foundation for a distinguished career in construction, but the qualities that defined his work, careful planning, integrity, persistence, and pride in a job well done, also shaped the way he lived his life.

Tom began his career with Robert E. McKee in 1973. He later worked for Charter Builders and Douglas E. Barnhart before founding T.R. Hall Construction in 1998. He served as the company's president until his retirement in 2021. Over nearly five decades in the industry, Tom took great pride in the buildings and spaces he helped bring to life. Among them were the Texas State Capitol extension and projects at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, including its Science and Counseling wing and the Arts, Assembly and Athletic Building, now known as The Terry Center. While these are only a few examples of his work, they represent a lasting legacy of buildings and spaces that will continue to serve their communities for generations to come.

Tom's professional accomplishments were recognized with numerous honors from respected construction-industry organizations, including the AGC, QUOIN, and TEXO. He also gave generously of his experience by serving on building committees at Jesuit and Ursuline. His commitment to service and leadership was rooted in values he developed early in life. As a young man, Tom earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement that reflected the character and dedication to service that remained hallmarks of his life.

Tom's proudest role, however, was within his family. On June 7, 1975, he married Cathy Herring in Reno, Nevada. Tom worked hard to provide for his family and cherished the life they built together. Family was his highest priority, and he treasured the time they spent together, especially the large gatherings in Houston and Reno. As the oldest of five siblings, Tom remained connected to his brothers and sisters throughout his life. They kept in regular touch, sharing the everyday moments of life, including a group text for Wordle scores, and also sharing the joys and celebrations of their growing families.

Tom delighted in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He loved attending their school functions and sporting events and hearing about their accomplishments, activities, and everyday adventures. He meticulously kept pictures and notes about their lives, taking genuine pleasure in remembering the details and sharing their stories with others. Affectionately known as Papa to his grandkids, he was a steady and loving presence. His grandchildren knew how much he loved them, and they loved him just as dearly.

Tom was also a loyal friend and had a quiet sense of humor, often sharing a joke or finding amusement in the everyday moments of life. He valued his friendships and made a point of staying connected, regularly meeting old friends for lunch and enjoying the simple pleasure of good conversation. His curiosity and love of building extended well beyond his own career. He could often be found admiring the work of others and was always eager to talk about the work with anyone willing to join the conversation. Quiet and thoughtful by nature, Tom found joy in listening to others, keeping up with their lives, and sharing in the moments, both big and small, that made life meaningful.

Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cathy; his son, Brian Hall (Natasha) and grandchildren, Ava, Andrew, and Emma; and his daughter, Erin Hall (Eric Blitzstein) and grandchildren, Benjamin and Charlotte. He is also survived by his siblings, Kathy Noble (Philip), Mary Stuart (Kirk), Michael Hall (Beth), and Steve Hall (Pat); his sister-in-law, Judy Albright (Deane); and his brother-in-law, Greg Herring (Janet); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A visitation will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, with a Rosary at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue following the Rosary until 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at St. Rita Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at St. Rita Catholic Community.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Tom’s memory may make a gift to the Thomas Hall Scholarship Fund at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas. Gifts may be made online at jesuitdallas.org/giving/memorials or by check mailed to the Jesuit Dallas Advancement Office, 12345 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75244.