Thomas Nelson Slade

Thomas Nelson Slade was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He was well respected by family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver.

Possessing strong interpersonal skills, Tommy always sought out the scene of where the action was. He was always the man with a plan. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Tommy was an individual who enjoyed life's challenges. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Tommy was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Tommy was born on October 28, 1952 at home in Norfolk County, Virginia. His parents were George and Mary Slade. Tommy was also raised in Norfolk. Tommy was raised with a large family of siblings. He was the sixth of eight children; having five brothers, Percy, Sonny, Jimmy, Ronnie, and Kenny and two sisters, Gentry and Alice. His sister Alice reminisced, "Tommy always hated going to school. Mom would drop him off and he would be sitting on the front porch by the time she got home."

As a child, he was outgoing and animated. Tommy enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. In his spare time he liked to go fishing with his Dad out on the boat, and was a constant shadow to his brothers. Although Tommy hated school, by sixth grade he had won the admiration of his favorite teacher Ms. Mann. This teacher thought a lot of Tommy, and kept in touch over the years into adulthood.

Friends and acquaintances found Tommy an easy man to get to know. Those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Tommy was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Glenn Forehand, Bent and Linda Hartline, and Barbara Phelps. Later in life, he became friends with so many people it would be impossible to name them all.

Tommy was an Army veteran serving from December 1969 to February 1972. He was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was attached to the 11th Calvary . He completed his basic training at Fort Hood, Texas and was later stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Tommy saw action for one year while serving in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic. He achieved the rank of E5 showing leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

On July 8, 1972 Tommy exchanged wedding vows with Gayla Ray Knox at the Norview Methodist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. Gayla stated, "I was a young bride at 19, and yet Tommy continued to call me his bride throughout our life together." Tommy was attentive to Gayla's feelings, and he charmed Gayla and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Tommy was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Tommy identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children's personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. He was highly influential in directing his children's work ethic and career paths. Tommy was blessed with two children, a son David and a daughter Trisha.

Tommy was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. He was never afraid to speak up for what he believed in. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Tommy's strengths included being able to think on his feet. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Tommy was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Tommy could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit. This allowed him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was a fireman and apparatus operator. He was employed for 31 years by the Norfolk Fire Department.

Tommy enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were boating, camping, fishing, and traveling. He also enjoyed his weekends watching Nascar on television and occasionally attending live races. Most recently Tommy had restored a 1971 Boston Whaler with his son. David and Tommy shared a passion for boating and a love of the Chesapeake Bay.

Tommy held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member of Kempsville Church of Christ.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Tommy truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went but was willing to leave his plans open and flexible. Favorite vacations included visiting Trisha on her various travel assignments. Tommy helped Trisha move cross country on two occasions during her years as a travel nurse. In the summer of 2004, Tommy, Gayla and Trisha traveled from Tijuana, Mexico up through San Francisco, California. This trip was a major odyssey also including Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Another meaningful vacation included Tommy and Gayla on a Bahamas cruise for their 30th wedding anniversary, a gift from their children.

Tommy was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. His love for animals started as a child. His first dog Red used to walk him to and from school. He had many animals through the years, but especially loved Bruno, the floppy eared German Shepard. Another of Tommy's favorites was Cosmo, a Cocker Spaniel. They were best friends for 10 years.

Tommy's retirement from the Fire Department came in August of 2005. His son David, a lieutenant in the Norfolk Fire Department, worked hard planning a large bash in celebration of his 31 years. After retirement, Tommy was able to easily adapt to the changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. The relaxation didn't last too long for then he found new pleasure in starting a towing business, Tommy's Auto Rescue.

Tommy was the kind of person who could win others over easily. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Tommy had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don't Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Thomas Nelson Slade.

Tommy passed away on October 3, 2008 at DePaul Medical Center. Tommy fought a brave battle against lung cancer for a year. He is survived by his loving wife Gayla, son David and daughter Trisha and foster grandson David Alexander. A memorial service being held at Kempsville Church of Christ on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at 6pm.