Thomas Allen "Tom" Dail, Sr.

Thomas Allen “Tom” Dail, Sr. of Edenton, NC passed away on Monday, December 16, 2025. Tom was a resident of Edenton for most of his life, born on January 17, 1963, to James Carlyle “Pete” and Mary Elizabeth Dail of Edenton. Tom was a simple man with a wide heart and deep love for the water and the simple life he built along the coast. He was the most at home by the water with the sand between his toes, where the horizon was wide and worries felt small. Tom valued hard work and took pride in boat building at two of his favorite places, Albemarle Boats in Edenton and Hatteras Yachts in New Bern, pouring his skill and heart into every piece he built. The water was more than a place to him- it was where his heart belonged.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Carlyle “Pete” Dail and Mary Elizabeth Dail; his brother, James Carlyle “Jim” Dail, Jr.; and his beloved son, Thomas Allen Dail, Jr.

Tom is survived by his daughters Jessica Dail Montgomery (Jameson) of Greenville and Victoria Dail “Tori” Jennings (Justin) of Conway. His cherished grandchildren- Gavin Cruz Montgomery, Liam Banks Montgomery, and Emerson Isla Burgess, all who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Dail Edmundson (Frankie) and sister-in-law Susan Reaves Dail, all of Edenton. Nieces, Elizabeth Swicegood (Brian), Cady Shackelford (Christian) and nephews, Christopher Edmundson (Tanya), Daniel Dail (Kim), and Tyler Dail.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Outer Banks Dare Challenge, 2263 NC-345, Manteo, NC 27954 in memory of Tom.

The family will receive friends Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10:30 to 12:00 noon at Miller & VanEssendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC 27932.

All other services will be private.