Thomas Needham Park, Jr., ( Ret. Major, US Air Force ), 83, of Goldsboro, died December 25, 2018 at the SECU Hospice Home in Smithfield. Tommy was a native of Raleigh, born July 31, 1935 to the late Thomas Needham Park, Sr., and Frances Moring Williams Park. His roots ran deep in Raleigh, his grandfather was Charles Burgess Williams, the first Dean of Agriculture at NC State University, and his great-grandfather was Needham B. Broughton, a Raleigh businessman an advocate for education.
Growing up in Raleigh at 1405 Hillsborough Street, Tommy attended Wiley School and graduated from Broughton High School in 1953. He then graduated from Atlantic Christian College in 1960, where he met his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Bryan. In 1961, he entered military service in the US Air Force, serving 8 years during the Vietnam - serving as a radar navigator and bombardier in B-52's and KC-135's. Tommy retired as a Major in 1982 from the Air Force, while stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. After retirement he returned to NC State to earn a degree in Horticulture.
Tom loved his family, his friends, his pets, and he had a deep love of country as well. His many hobbies included gardening, taking care of rescued animals, love of technology, he was an avid reader, and grill master! He loved to volunteer and worked at the base pharmacy at Seymour Johnson for over 20 years. He loved meeting veterans and active duty Air Force comrades. He always had something pleasant to say about someone and enjoyed the fellowship.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Frances Park Carroll, and Susanne Park Whitley.
Surviving is his wife Mary Lou of the Meadow Community of Johnston County; his daughter, Kathryn Park Barefoot and husband, Daniel of Meadow; son, Thomas Needham Park III of Raleigh; 3 grandchildren, Jared Barefoot and wife, Caroline of Kenly, Hunter Barefoot and wife, Nicole of Meadow, and Caroline Barefoot and her partner, Gabriel Estrella of Meadow; 3 great-grandchildren, Sallie Estrella, Elliott Barefoot and Noah Barefoot. He is also survived by a sister, Margie Park Lucas and husband, Ashleigh of Cary; numerous nieces and nephews; 3 beloved dogs and many cats, all rescued.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh. A funeral service will follow the visitation , beginning at 3:00 pm in the funeral home's chapel. Burial will follow the service with military honors at Historic Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield, PO 1376 Smithfield, NC 27577; or Unity Presbyterian Church, 11551 NC - 50 Newton Grove, NC 28336; or your favorite animal rescue charity.
