Thomas Bruce Edmonds Sr. “Tommy,” age 86, of Mathews, Va., died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, in Gloucester, Va., following a short battle with cancer.
He passed away quietly, with his family by his side, as were his wishes. Known and loved by many in the community for his enthusiastic and optimistic view on life, Tommy was born on Feb. 22, 1929 and raised in Hampton, Va. He was the youngest of 11 children born to George Wesley and Bessie Scott Edmonds.
He was passionate about sports from an early age. “Little Tommy Edmonds” followed in his brothers’ footsteps and played for the great “Suey” Eason teams, leading the 1948 Hampton Crabbers team to one of many state championships. He played one year of college football at Hampden-Sydney College where he was a brother at Pi Kappa Alpha.
Throughout his life he enjoyed all things outdoors, especially football, hunting, fishing and golf. Above all else, he treasured his family, wife, Laetitia Williams Edmonds; his brothers and sisters; six children; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; cousins; nephews, and nieces.
He also served his community in volunteer positions at Alcoholics Anonymous, Meals on Wheels, and Hands Across Mathews. Additional accomplishments included being awarded the Gold Ring for Outstanding Sales, Chrysler’s highest sales award.
He is survived by six children, Gene and Susan Edmonds (Irvington), Hartley and Lael Edmonds (Bon Air), Bruce and Marylou Edmonds (Gloucester), Scott and Mary Edmonds (Mathews/Fort Myers, Fla.), Laetitia and Adam Schaffer (Hanover), Eileen Edmonds and Christie Wright (Highland Springs); brother, Charles Ross Edmonds of Mathews; sister, Ann E. Curnow of Portland, Ore.; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family received friends Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. A Req-
uiem Mass was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, at the Church of Francis de Sales, 176 Lovers Lane, Mathews. Interment followed in Windsor Gardens Cemetery, Dutton.
In our father’s memory, contributions may be made to Hands Across Mathews, P.O. Box 1303, Mathews, Va. 23109.
Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.hoggfh.com.