Talented musician, colorful lover of life, beloved father, grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, Tom grew up in Goldsboro North Carolina and was known for his gift of hospitality and talent as a songwriter and pianist. Tom was a stranger to no one and everyone who knew him dearly loved him and was dearly loved by him. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1972 and attended Duke Divinity School. Tom helped found Aqueduct Conference Center in Chapel Hill in 1978, where he worked as the executive director for more than 30 years. He spent the final years of his life living in Nashville, Tenn., pursuing his love and passion for music.