Tom, Tommy, Curd, Curdman, or Ole Tomboy was born in Waynesboro on January 10, 1954 to Preston Lyle and Maxine (Curd) Yancey. He graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in 1972 and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Education (GO HOKIES!). Tom was a teacher and coach at Riverheads High School for five years. He retired from Valley Office Machines in 2017 after 31 years of dedicated service in sales. Tom married Linda Kathleen Ambler on September 6, 1986 in Fishersville, and together they shared almost 32 years raising a beautiful family.
Tom served as a volunteer firefighter for the Preston L. Yancey Fire Department when it was first formed. He was a lifetime member of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir, Men’s Chorus, and Celebration Singers, playing on the Tinkling Springers softball team, and serving on the Summerlee Mission Trip for 8 years. Tom devoted his life to God by serving as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School teacher, Preschool Committee Chair, youth covenant partner, and W.A.R.M. shelter volunteer. Many remember him for his service in the dish room at church events alongside lifelong friends and church family. Most recently, Tom was given the honor of being named Elder Emeritus for his many years of faithful and loving service to Jesus Christ and the church.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Preston Yancey, paternal and maternal grandparents, and two loyal labrador companions, Jake and Java.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; their three children, Katie Thompson (Devon), Courtney, Dylan and his girlfriend, Kathryn Wright; his mother, Maxine Yancey; his three siblings, Sandy Paxton (Rodney), Steve Yancey (Joyce) and P.L.; one granddaughter, Hattie Curd Thompson; his father-in-law, W.D. Ambler; two sisters-in-law, Sheila Lippman and Christine Rexroad (Perry); two uncles, Henry Curd (Mary Frances) and Joe Curd (Sook); his nieces and nephews and their children; as well as many cherished family and friends who were like family to him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, 30 Tinkling Spring Dr, Fishersville, on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. At Tom’s request, please dress casual in bright or Hokie colors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to any of the Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church ministries mentioned above, Preston L. Yancey Fire Department, Hospice of the Shenandoah or an animal charity of your choice.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Augusta Health Cancer Center, UVA Neurology and Emily Couric Cancer Center, UVA MICU, Hospice of the Shenandoah, and our loving church family and community.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
