Thomas "Tom" Grayson
Thomas "Tom" Grayson
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Thomas Grayson Obituary
Tom was a leader, a mentor, a fierce friend and a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. Tom's philosophy was: if you're going to do something, do it right and don't take shortcuts. He provided guidance to those that asked, mentoring those that needed it and continued to do so even after he retired. He loved watching cooking shows, finding places to travel to just for the food and enjoyed sitting on his deck with a cup of coffee looking at the Rocky Mountains.
He is survived by his wife, Andrea; sons Thomas Jr. and James; his sisters, Catherine and Susan. He is predeceased by his parents, Tommy and Joanne.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, 11 July 2025 from 14:00-17:00 at Parker Funeral Home, 10325 Parkglenn Way Parker, CO 80138.
In lieu of flowers, one-time donations in honor of Tom may be made to:
The Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation
https://coloradofreedommemorial.com/cfm-center-campaign/
303-248-3990
OR:
National Forest Foundation
Building 27 Suite 3 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, Montana 59804 US
Donor Support: [email protected]
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Jackie Ammerman
July 16, 2025
I'm deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, mentor, and colleague. Tom played such a meaningful role in my life- always encouraging me as I worked toward my bachelor's degree, checking in regularly and reminding me that I could do it. When I was finishing up my very last class, I texted him to share the news, and he replied right away, "Congrats Jackie! I am proud of you!" When I told him I had finally got my certificate - my "piece of paper" - he was just as proud. That kind of support meant everything to me.
He also cheered me on through my roller derby journey- he'd come to games, ask how training was going, and always made me feel like what I was doing mattered. He believe in me.
Tom was incredibly jovial - full of light, warmth, and the kind of humor that made people feel at ease. One of his favorite ways to tease me was bout my nose ring. He'd walk into my office with a completely straight face and say, "Jackie, there's something in your nose," and I'd just laugh and say, "I know!" It became our little joke, and I'll always smile when I think of it.
Even after he retired, he kept in touch. He'd text me to see how life was going, and we'd catch up at our quarterly meetings. He genuinely cared, and he showed it in so many little but meaningful ways.
I'm going to miss his humor, his encouragement, his presence- and that unforgettable jovial spirit. Tom meant a lot to me, and I'll carry his support and kindness with me always.
Robert Bossard
July 14, 2025
Tom was a great human being colleague and friend. He sorely will be missed. God bless him and his family
Tom Ims
July 11, 2025
Thanks for your help and guidance.
James & Monica Keenan
July 10, 2025
Dear Andrea, Thomas Jr., and James,
Monica and I were deeply saddened to hear about Tom´s passing. We remember him fondly as a man of quiet strength and generosity-someone we were lucky to know. I still remember when he helped me move to Virginia, a lifetime ago. Without hesitation, he lifted a 200-pound anvil off the U-Haul truck, started for the garage and simply asked, "Where do you want it?" That moment has stayed with me-not just because of his physical strength, but because of the kind-hearted reliability behind it. From our earliest days at the lab as colleagues (and fellow RIT´ers), I came to regard Tom as one of our "band of brothers," up for any challenge, always ready with his deadpan humor. Of course, there was plenty of that during some of our hunting trips with Todd!
Your father had an extraordinary way of showing up for people. His legacy lives on not just in your family, but in all the lives he touched with his presence and his steady hand. We will miss him - but we are confident that God has a new trusted lieutenant to support the mission. Please know you´re in our heart, thoughts and prayers - and here for anything you might need.
With deepest sympathy, Jim & Monica Keenan
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Fred the Lawyer
July 9, 2025
Dear Andrea, Thomas Jr., and James. I´m so sorry about the loss of your beloved Tom. He was my faithful colleague, client, and friend since 2011.
We became colleagues starting in 2011, when he assisted the Joint Chiefs while I supported the SecDef Staff. Our two offices were in different Pentagon suites, but we were on the phone with one another daily, and we and our staffs met regularly to ensure that each knew what the other was up to and how all could best help our DoD colleagues during a turbulent time. Tom was a master at understanding both DoD's and HQS' political dynamics, and an even greater "sensei" to understand the human condition of all he encountered. He was a precise and insightful person, who used a dry sense of humor to make his point while showing a cheshire cat smile for emphasis!
After our Pentagon jobs, I returned to the Office of General Counsel and what I expected would be a traditional attorney position. But much to my relief I would not be separated from Tom for long. To my surprise, Tom worked his bureaucratic magic to have me assigned to support his HQS office as his dedicated attorney. We continued our Mutt-and-Jeff (or should I say Mutt-and-Tom) relationship as Tom climbed higher up the management ladder with promotion from Group Chief to Associate Deputy Director at HQS. It was especially rewarding for me as the attorney to know that we had each other´s back - whatever legal or managerial kerfuffle came along ... which was just about every day. And, again, all throughout Tom's dry sense of humor and cheshire cat smile kept us together like the brothers we became.
Since our retirements, we kept in touch via text, email, and calls. Similar to our Pentagon time, Tom regularly called to check in with me to make sure retirement was going smoothly. I reciprocated by sharing latest developments at HQS/the Community and news articles of possible interest - and anything that had anything to do with Colorado (which he loved dearly). Tom was the kind of guy who cherished friends, care about them, and kept in touch.
Tom spoke of Andrea and the boys often - whether it was recipes, the guys´ careers, or visits to check on the sons.... Too many stories than I could do justice to here. Tom was devoted to you all, and it was clear that you were the north stars around which his world revolved.
I will miss my friend and brother, Tom. But I know he´s working on a new tech projects and is preparing for the next time we meet and swap stories.
With Love and Deepest Sympathy, Fred the Lawyer
John and Jerri Forinash
July 8, 2025
Tom,
Your energy and guidance was remarkable. I appreciate all the efforts that you made during our short tenure together. You will be extremely missed.
Andrea and Family,
You have out deepest condolences and are in our thoughts and prayers. The CFM looked to be a organization that Tom would support so we sent a gift in memory him...
John and Jerri
Maureen Williams
July 2, 2025
My condolences to Andrea, Thomas Jr., James, and entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Harley McFarland
July 1, 2025
Miss you, Tom love Harley
Conrad Pilloud
June 27, 2025
Andrea, James, Thomas, I am so sorry for your loss. Tom always greeted me with a smile and when he asked how I was doing, he meant it sincerely and would always remember something about our last conversation. One time, told me about how he ate eel tapas (!!) in Spain and encouraged me to do the same when I went there on my honeymoon (truth is, I didn't have his zest & courage to do so). He always had good advice about supporting the mission and managing customer relationships. He is sorely missed!
Godspeed Tom
Christian Moore
June 26, 2025
I´m so very sorry for your loss! I had the greatest privilege to work along side Tom at ICR and we would discuss so many things about life and sports! The Broncos, 49ers and the Buffalo Bills were topics of discussion during football season! He was a great man and I will remember his kindness, generosity and zest for life! His legacy will forever live on with his two boys and I for one will never forget Tom!
Tim and Mary Carbo
June 26, 2025
Deepest condolences to Tom´s family for the loss of a great man. Our thoughts and prayers go out all of you during this difficult time.
Jason Millage
June 26, 2025
My deepest condolences Andrea, Thomas, and James. So very sorry to lose Tom. Thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.
Brad N
June 24, 2025
Andrea, I am keeping you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time.
Jay Mc
June 23, 2025
Tom:
Rest in peace my friend and my sincere condolences to your family. We worked together through some tough times post 9/11. Your commitment to our chosen profession was admirable. Thank you for your service to our country and your friendship.
Andrea HB
June 22, 2025
Andrea - so sorry for your loss. Working with you two was always rewarding and the occasional giggle never hurt. Our time here is short, it is up to us to use it wisely. Tom's mantra of, "Any meeting lasting more than an hour will go on without me!" remains words to live by. Missed indeed!
Hugs friend!
Paul S.
June 20, 2025
Very fond memories and a thank you for your guidance, focus, and the properly-timed occasional humor. Grateful here. Rest in Peace, Thomas.
Don N
June 20, 2025
Rest in peace buddy. Sincere condolences to your whole family from the burden and sorrow through these difficult days ahead. Don N
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