Thomas "Tom" Lovell

Thomas Jerry Lovell, 79, 222 Highland Drive, Eden, NC, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Hospice of Rockingham County after a lengthy illness.

***A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, March 9, by the flagpole at his home.  Military rites will be provided by Rockingham County Veteran's Honor Guard.***

Tom was born on November 3, 1939 in Beckley, WVA to Ernest Floyd Lovell and Kathryn Coburn Lovell. The family moved from Narrows, VA to Eden while Tommy was in elementary school. He graduated from J.M. Morehead High School Class of 1958.

In 1962, Tom joined the United States Air Force and retired in 1982 after serving in TX, LA, NV, SC, Spain, 2 tours in Turkey, and Italy. He continued his career as a Senior Engineering Specialist at the National Security Agency in Ft Meade, MD; Harrogate, England; San Antonio, TX; and Yakima, Washington. Retiring again after 18 years, he and his wife, Dian moved back to Eden to be near family. Tom was a true Patriot who loved his country and was so proud to have served the American people for over 39 years.

Tom is predeceased by his parents and an infant sister, Celia.

Tom is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dian Cook Lovell; 2 daughters, Sheila McBride (Jim), Albany, GA; Sherie Baker (Andy), Albany, GA; and step-daughter, Michele Roberts (Kevin), Myrtle Beach, SC; 7 grandchildren: Victoria Lane (Mark); James McBride III (Mallory); Thomas McBride (Kelly); Sarah McBride; Lindsay Roberts; Maddie Roberts; and Emma Baker; and 10 great-grandchildren, Penelope, Sawyer, & Lovell Lane; Beau, James IV, & Hays McBride; and Londyn, Eli, Lola, & Sam McBride. Sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Pam & Benny Sexton, sister-in-law, Sharon Frith; and brother-in-law & sister-in-law, David and Cheryl Cook.

Memorials may be sent in his name to: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Stew Fund, 600 Morgan Rd, Eden, NC, 27288; Rockingham County Veterans Honor Guard, 259 Martinwood Rd, Eden, NC. 27288, or to Eden Evening Lion’s Club, Remembering & Honoring Veterans, 244 Weaver St, Eden, NC 27288.