Thomas "Tommy" Shore

Thomas Ray Shore, age 71, died on July 26, 2024. Life began for Tommy on March 28, 1953 as the youngest of 3 boys. His father V.A. Shore, Jr. and his mother Betty Jean Scarbrough Shore were proud to be the parents of the “Shore Boys”.

Tommy’s life read like a novel with many chapters filled with personal challenges, laughter and tears. Each chapter included his passions for making people laugh, his many friends from all walks of life, his love for beach music, traveling with Donna and the Carolina Tar Heels. He was a real “character” and gifted storyteller who made everyone laugh and made an impact on everyone he met along the way.

Tommy's story mirrors the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. He went from pride and independence from God to a humiliating crash landing, which led to coming to his senses, spiritually. This involved a renewed understanding and appreciation for the Christian Gospel of his youth. Like the Prodigal Son he turned back home spiritually. He was blind but now he could see. Like each of us, this did not mean that he would or could live a perfect life, but rather that he now trusted himself to Christ who lived that life so that he did not have to. He was now justified before God BY FAITH in Christ. He died with assurance and peace that can only come by faith in what Christ had done for him. WOW!

Tommy graduated from Jordan High School with the class of 1971 where he excelled in academics, but especially athletics. Tommy’s brothers, Bill and Larry, helped create Tommy’s competitive nature and spirit, especially with regards to all sports. He played football and basketball and was proud that he never passed the ball — shooting it from all over the court! 

After graduation Tommy attended East Carolina University where he played on the freshman basketball team, which included playing against David Thompson of NC State. Tommy often bragged about holding Thompson to only 26 points! In 1975, Tommy graduated from ECU with a degree in Occupational Therapy. He later was accepted into one of the first classes of Duke’s Physician Assistant Program, graduating Magna Cum Laude and enjoyed a successful career in Orthopedic surgery. 

Tommy recently retired from Rice’s Glass Company and was always grateful for their support. 

Tommy is survived by Donna Harrison, his loving partner of 14 years, son Bradley, daughter Erin Graham, brothers Bill and Larry and 6 cherished grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, a charitable gift can be made to the UNC Health Foundation in Tommy’s memory supporting the UNC Hospital’s Patient & Family Support Fund (345828). A donation by check should be made payable to the “UNC Health Foundation” and note the fund in the memo line. Online donations can be made at https://giving.unc.edu/gift/shor

Funeral Services will be held 12:30 PM Friday, August 2, 2024 at Hall-Wynne Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Hall Wynne Funeral Services.

The Thomas Shore family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com - select obituaries.