Thomas Gray Shermer

My earliest memories of my father are from the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. There we sat under a tree and he taught me songs while I waited for the school bus. I proudly sang "White Lightening" and "Wine, Wine, Wine" - to my kindergarten teacher! He taught me how to cuss like a sailor, but made sure I knew, as a lady, I shouldn't do that in public. Life lessons from a good man. He loved his family in a way that is hard to put into words, but was genuine. We never went without and knew he would be there if we needed him, even when we were too proud to ask. My last memories are his last day, when he died in my living room. My brother Tommy and I cared for him in his last hours, playing Jim Croce songs and holding his hands. It was a honor I will never forget.

My dad

My brother Thom was my champion and hero when I was a little girl. I will always remember his playing "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" whenever I asked him and building me a makeshift playhouse from the windows screens removed from the house for painting when the little girls visiting next door wouldn´t let me play with them in theirs. His service to his country and his family were second to none. I will love him always. Jane Shermer Smith