Thomas M. Birdwell

Thomas Malvin Birdwell, Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, proud American, and man of deep faith, passed peacefully into the care of the angels on the morning of December 8, 2025, at the age of 96. He was born on February 24, 1929, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Thomas M. Birdwell, Sr. and Martha Erie Kelly Birdwell.

Thomas lived a long, remarkable, and blessed life shaped by his upbringing in the Deep South during the Depression era. Those early years helped form his unwavering values of gratitude, faith in God, commitment to family, humility, and a deep respect for his country. His childhood journey took him from Oil City, Louisiana, to the vibrant city of New Orleans, where his family made their home on Audubon Boulevard. It was there that he developed a lifelong love of learning, earning top marks in school and later attending Tulane University on a U.S. Naval ROTC scholarship. He was proud that his hard work eased the financial burden on his parents.

After earning an MBA from Tulane, Thomas fulfilled his ROTC commission by serving honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He served aboard several ships, including a junior officer assignment on the USS Coral Sea. His distinguished service included decisive action that helped save the life of a downed pilot - a moment that remained deeply meaningful to him throughout his days. He was honored to do his part in defending the nation he loved.

Thomas's naval service also inspired his lifelong passion for travel. He marveled at the wonders of the world - its deserts, mountains, forests, and plains - and held a deep appreciation for the people, cultures, wildlife, and landscapes that make our planet extraordinary. His curiosity was boundless and his appreciation for God's creation profound.

A childhood spent in New Orleans also ignited an enduring love of the arts. Thomas found joy in everything from jazz and classical music to Native American artifacts, fine art, sculpture, and architecture. He cherished American culture just as deeply - cheering for the Yankees, Tulane sports, and the New Orleans Saints, and enjoying classic American cinema and the music of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and the Rat Pack. He supported and collected artwork from American painters whose works brought him joy and meaning.

Thomas was gifted himself. In his youth, he sang in church and embraced the music of the Swing Era. During the 1950s, while working in Los Angeles with General Electric, he performed as a lead vocalist with a full orchestra during a weekly radio show and at the famed Blue Room in the Roosevelt Hotel. Yet, despite opportunities in entertainment, he chose family over the spotlight - a decision for which his loved ones are forever grateful.

Thomas married the love of his life, Judith "Judy" Gorham, on October 25, 1958, after returning to New York from California. Together, they shared over 65 years of devoted partnership, unwavering love, and unbreakable commitment. Their bond remains a testament to the strength of faith, dedication, and genuine companionship.

Thomas loved his children, he is survived by Rebecca Chauvin, Capt, USAF (Ret.), of Seminole, Florida; his son, Thomas III, of Frederick, Maryland; and he is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Susan Kinley of Williamsburg, Virginia, who passed into the loving embrace of Our Father in Heaven in 2024 at the age of 59. As a father, he was generous, encouraging, and wise. He expected his children to do their best, yet he was as forgiving of their missteps as any father could possibly be.

Thomas was blessed with grandchildren: Mark Gregory Coyle, Thomas Birdwell IV, Jessica Bryant, and Genevieve Cruz. His great-grandchildren are Alyssa Bryant, Connor Bryant, Amanda Broom-Morse, US Navy, and Lydia Broom Morse. Whether they realize it or not, each of these precious children carries forward his legacy of curiosity, kindness, wonder, and a desire to make the world better.

Professionally, Thomas excelled as a chemical engineer and business-to-business sales executive. His success was grounded in Dale Carnegie's principles of earning trust, building relationships, and influencing others with sincerity and integrity. Over decades of hard work, he became not only a high achiever but ultimately a respected subject matter expert in his field.

In retirement, Thomas and Judy settled in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he found peace and joy. He loved traveling on cruises, going birding with Judy, spending time with family, and enjoying movies together at home. His love of singing endured, delighting audiences during shipboard karaoke contests.

In his final year, Thomas endured the sorrow of losing his daughter Susan and his lifelong friend Tommy Allen. He also expressed deep gratitude for the devotion and care shown to him by his beloved wife. He left this life comforted by the lifting of burdens and the boundless mercy of God.

Thomas was, above all, a man of positivity, faith, and encouragement. He believed deeply in sharing the Good News, in hearing the Word of God clearly, and in warmly greeting those around him. His kindness, optimism, and steady encouragement will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He departs this life as a man of character, faith, and love - leaving behind a legacy that endures in the hearts, minds, and spirits of his family and all whose lives he touched.

May he rest in eternal peace.