Thomas Leslie Chrislip

Thomas L. Chrislip, 73, of Norfolk, passed away on November 14, 2023, after a 6-month battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Tommy was born on May 31, 1950, to Gilbert and Lois Chrislip. After he graduated from Maury High School in 1968, he began a 37-year career in law enforcement, first as a Sergeant in the Norfolk Police Department and then as a Captain at the Norfolk Sheriff's Department. Tommy's retirement job was working for Redbox.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Lois Chrislip, and his grandson Calix Kimel.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Susan Chrislip, his children Courtney Gehweiler (Roland III), Matthew Stites, Andrew Stites (Sarah), and Katelyn Stites; his siblings Diana Carter, Mary Quarberg (Steve), and Steve Chrislip (Donna); his grandchildren Roland Gehweiler IV and Khayan Kimel; and finally, his best furry friend, Gulliver.

As a boy, Tommy excelled in baseball at Azalea Little League, Maury, and American Legion Post 60. He was a mentor to many young police and sheriff's deputies. Even former inmates would approach him in public and be comfortable enough to strike up a conversation. He loved travelling with friends, had a great sense of humor, and enjoyed sharing an inexhaustible supply of stories.

There will be a graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk on November 19 at 1pm. Following the service, all are invited to attend a celebration of Tommy's life at the Norfolk Fraternal Order of Police Commodore Lodge #3, 1111 Harmony Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Wildlife Center of Virginia.