Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Thomas “Tom” W. Arrington, 79, of Charlotte, passed away on January 8, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
He was born in Norfolk, VA on November 19, 1943 to the late James W. Arrington and Edith Price Arrington. After the passing of his mother, Edith, when Tom was very young, he was raised by his dad and second wife, Rachel Bennett.
After 41 years of federal service, Tom retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City, FL where he was in charge of the Logistics Group providing weapons systems technical support including design drawings, technical manuals and spare parts provisioning for the U.S. Navy.
Tom loved the beach and taking trips. In fact, it didn’t bother him at all to hop in his car, notably a sports car, and take a road trip to visit friends or new places. He loved watching all sports, especially University of Virginia; yes, nerve-racking, nail-biting UVA was his favorite.
After going to his first race in 1963 with his dad, he loved attending NASCAR races with close friends Richard and Sandy Hall, Jim and Jane Dyer and his family. But he particularly loved continuing that tradition with his daughter, Emily, and grandson, Andrew. Above all, Tom enjoyed watching his five amazing grandkids grow up. He was an incredible dad and granddad who was always available to attend a baseball game, have a conversation, watch a cartoon, share a dessert, read a book or fix things around the house.
His first wife, Sue Osborne Arrington, preceded Tom in death in 2000. He is survived by his wife of over 12 years, Barbara Conrad Arrington of Charlotte, NC, who is so thankful he came into her life and the lives of her family. He is also survived by his daughter, Emily Stiller (Brad) of Concord, NC; Barbara’s daughters, Stacy Clarke (William) of St. John’s, FL and Kelly Zingelmann (Kurt) of Raleigh, NC; as well as five grandchildren: Andrew Stiller, William and Katie Clarke, and Leo and Isla Zingelmann. He is also survived by his mom, Rachel Bennett of Stedman, NC; brother, James Arrington (Pat) of Virginia Beach, VA; and sisters, Jean Hartless of Salisbury, NC and Becky Hedrick (Vadis) of Dublin, VA and many nieces and nephews.
A special thanks and appreciation go to Dr. Geoffrey Rose, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, Dr. Luke Neilans and staff at Atrium Health, Dr. Craig Rackley, Lisa Holmes, Shannon Tilley and Christine Anderson at Duke University Pulmonary Clinic and Stacey Manley and the rest of the wonderful staff at Atrium Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center.
Per Tom’s request, there will not be a memorial service. You may honor his memory by donating to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosis.org) and of course, rooting for a UVA sports team.
1 Corinthians 13 speaks to the Way of Love: “So now faith, hope, and love abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Tom Arrington lived his life in the Way of Love.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Arrington family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Kay Ashton says
My sincere love and sympathy to Barbara, my lifelong friend, and the rest of Tom’s family. May you be comforted and find peace in knowing that his life touched so many others. Hang on to all your beautiful memories of him.
Thomas Schenck says
Barbara, Kelly and Stacy, I’m so sorry for your loss of a good and loving presence in your lives. I regret never meeting him, but he surely was a kind, great man, and we are all very thankful for his military service to our country.
God bless you all,
Tommy
Kelly Bodiford says
Thinking of you. Tom was a sweet man and will be missed. Condolences, thoughts and prayers.
Laura Disher says
Barbara so sorry Uncle Tommy I has passed .He fought bravely Condolences for all my family members.We all loved him deeply He will be missed.We’re all blessed he has touched all of our lives with love ❤️ Love you Uncle Tommy 💔💜
Laura Disher says
Aunt Barbara so heartbroken 💔 Uncle Tommy was a wonderful man.He was a fighter until the end.He touched many people lives and left a lasting impression of the kind ,intelligent,caring,funny man he was .My condolences to all my family who love and miss him.Love you ❤️💔💜
Barry Nash says
I knew him for just a short while through the Next Breath group, but soon felt like old friends. I’ll remember his warmth and kindness, and ever present interest in everyone and everything around him. He will be missed, and I will continue to pray for him.
How great he had such a big and kind family to love and support him.
Wanda Jarrett says
Barbara and I are Forever Friends. After her marriage to Tom he graciously accepted me into their lives and that meant me visiting in their home many weekends. Tom and I shared a love of sports and he even pulled for my team when they weren’t playing UVA! Tom was a Gentle Soul and I will miss him.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Patricia Sutton says
The Arrington Family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this sad period.
I worked for Tom at NMWEA in Yorktown, VA many years ago. He was a kind person and will always remember Tom, Sue, and Emily as Em was in high school at that time and I always kept up with her goings on in school. Sue and I were best of friends at work and it was hard when they left for FL. Many years have passed now and a lot has changed, but I will always remember the good times a Yorktown, VA. My condolences to his family and prayers for each of you.
Jeanie (Abrams) Anderson says
I am so sorry to learn that Tom has passed away. I worked with him for several years at Naval Mine Warfare Engineering Activity in Yorktown, Virginia, where he was one of our top management officials, a consummate professional. My condolences to his extended family and friends. Peace and love to all …
Andrea via says
I knew Tom 1974-1977 at Weapons Station. The memory of his kindness, humor, gentleness remain with me today. He was a true gentleman.
Barbara &Ted Connell says
So so sorry Barbara! John Edwards called to let me know. I hope you’re doing well and I hope to see you soon. God’s truest blessings to you 🥲