Thomas Lee Bruff
May 4, 1949 - June 29, 2022
Beaufort, South Carolina - Thomas Lee Bruff of Beaufort, SC and Dallas, TX
Born May 4, 1949 in Baltimore, MD, Tom's life touched much of the globe. He worked internationally for many years and cherished his travel experiences after retirement. He made friends and memorable experiences everywhere.
Tom Bruff had a big strong beautiful heart, both physically and relationally, and loved life outdoors, especially on a tennis court or a beach or hiking in the mountains.
After two years of health challenges and pain and an enormous and wonderful array of doctors and care providers and dialysis, all of which he faced with courage and hope â€" his big heart stopped.
Words are inadequate, and to say he was an extraordinary man is a woeful understatement.
He loved and adored his family and children and grandchildren, his friends scattered around the world, our silly dog, his tennis groups, our neighbors. He loved reading and read everything. He didn't finish the piles of books around the house, and always had one more on the list or on the way.
He was passionate about tennis and refused to put his rackets away "for good" even after his body began to fail him. The last thing he watched on TV was his favorite tennis player (Rafa).
He missed travelling so we watched documentaries and movies. His favorites included Casa Blanca, Out of Africa, and Patton
He listened to Bob Dylan. A lot.
He never stopped feeding "his" birds and he loved to see the painted buntings and the bluebirds and cardinals and the magnificent roseate spoonbills that swoop by just before sunset each evening. A marsh wren (he called her Marsha) shows up every day, and perches on a bush or a patio chair, and looks in our window and sings.
He talked back to the nightly news.
He cherished our stunning views of the river.
He believed the smallest happy moments and grandest celebratory occasions called for opening a bottle of champagne.
There aren't enough words, and none are adequate.
"Death can never take away what love has given." But it leaves such an empty place.
Survivors include his children Robert Bruff, Caroline Bruff, and Sarah Lyn Bruff (in Texas) his brother Terry Bruff and his mother, Alma Bruff (in Maryland) and his wife Rebecca Bruff (Beaufort), Nathan and Nikki Frank and grandchildren Jonah and Phoebe (of Virginia), and David and Vanessa Frank, and grandchildren Nathan and Jacob (of Dallas). He leaves a plethora of friendships.
In lieu of flowers, he would be honored by contributions that support land conservation, nature preservation, and literacy.
"He prayeth well, who loveth well Both man and bird and beast, He prayeth best, who loveth best All things both great and small." (S. Coleridge)
Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Island Packet on Jul. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Bruff

9 Entries

Bob Monaco

June 27, 2025

I remember summer days hiking down to Herring Run park and after spending several hours playing near the run, returniing home to play a game of Whiffle Ball. After the game he would go home, which was only 4 or 5 houses down the row to have lunch and a nap. We always found something to do around the back lot. I also remember his brother Terry. He was a little younger than most of our gang of kids but fit right in and was one of us. Tom's mother was also super nice. Many memories of times gone but never forgotten.

Bob Monaco

February 20, 2023

I just found out about my childhood friend Tom. We had a lot of memories on that back lot with our gang of kids.
Tom, I know your in a good place and when it's my time, I hope to once again be your neighbor and friend.

Mary (Mrs. Robert) Schweitzer

Planted Trees

Mary Schweitzer (Mrs. Robert L. Schweitzer)

July 21, 2022

Tommy and my late husband Bobby (1949-2013j were close friends from their shared childhood in row house blue collar B´more. A visit from, or to Tom, always meant lots of fun. Tom was the best man at our wedding. Our son Eric absolutely adored him - I remember him bringing a child-side soccer ball at one visit (tho probably to get the kid hooked on soccer before Bob had a chance to get him into lacrosse ...).

When Bob and I, at Duke and then UNC, would visit Baltimore, we often went out to Towson with Tommy. After Tommy´s rather amazing adventures overseas, Bob helped get him into the UNC MBA program at Chapel Hill, tho by that time we were in Delaware. Distance kept us apart for many years, but we always cared about him. Bob died of cancer in 2013. I´d like to think he was waiting for Tommy, and that now the two of them are together again, causing some kind of mild mischief somewhere.

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Monte Carmack

July 5, 2022

I have many fond memories of Tom. He was a great man, fun to be around and I always had a kind word for you. Tom will be missed but his memory will live on. RIP Tom!

Don Brennan

July 5, 2022

IT IS WITH PROFOUND SADNESS TO HEAR OF TOM'S PASSING. I SPENT SIGNIFICANT TIME WITH TOM IN MEXICO WHILE WITH CLUB CORP. HE WAS A GREAT HELP; ALWAYS WITH A SMILE, ALWAYS WITH A PLAN.
I WILL CHERISH MY LAST PHONE CALL WITH TOM, AS WE BOTH CAUGHT UP WITH EACH OTHER AFTER SEVERAL YEARS. ONE OF THE KINDEST AND THE SMARTEST PERSON I HAVE EVER WORKED WITH. REST IN JOY MY OLD FRIEND.

Scott Holtzman

July 4, 2022

I worked with Tom at ClubCorp for many years, including venturing to Paris to look at a tennis club in the late 1980's. I especially enjoyed knowing and working with Tom after ClubCorp on a few consulting projects. His intellect and enthusiasm were contagious and it was an honor and a privilege to work with him.

Lynn Smith

July 3, 2022

What a beautiful tribute to this wonderful husband and father. Our hearts go out to you, and we wish you comfort as you navigate these waters without him. Much love to you and your family.

John Perrella

July 2, 2022

The news of Tom´s passing is devastating but his enduring spirit and love of life will always be remembered by all who knew him.
For years we were tennis tennis players, playing against each other hundreds of times. If sports are a test of your determination and character , Tom excelled in both. As in tennis and life he strove to be the best that he could be.
As a friend he was loyal and always offered help no matter how impossible the situation. His judgement and wisdom were often heeded and in my own life very much appreciated. He helped me in many ways and I am grateful to have been a friend of his for over 50 years. RIP TL, and please know that I am among the many people who loved you.

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