Thomas "Tom" Neal Andrews

Thomas Neal Andrews, 86, died peacefully in his sleep March 13 after a 10-month battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was a loving husband, caring father, and dedicated Christian to his final days.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Ora Antoinette Brande (aka “Toni”), in 1958. Their 66 years together included having an amazing family, regularly opening their home to host those in need, and often bringing the community together with excellent pork shoulder barbecue. Tom believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and served the church in a variety of roles like youth group director, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, deacon, trustee, and seniors trip bus driver. He served the Lord internationally by building a medical outpost in Brazil, and repairing dilapidated structures in a needy community in Mexico.

Tom was a “jack of all trades” and never lacked for know-how or skill. He was known for his ability to engineer repairs and fix anything.

His life’s work included farming and managing Monticello Oil Company for 35 years. Whether it was equipment or tools, his imaginative approach or his sound advice, Tom Andrews offered great wisdom and a terrific sense of humor to those around him. Operating an oil company for a small community included requests of hardships and pastors seeking benevolence support. Tom was quick to add his own personal contribution when pastors sought help with a heating bill.

He is the son of the late Augie Monroe Andrews and the late Dallie Payne Andrews, both of Browns Summit.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Toni, and their four children: son Johnny (and his wife Pat); daughter Lynne (and her husband Jimmy Flippin); son Neal (and his wife Jo); and son Mark (and his wife Amy); five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of animals who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Apple’s Chapel Christian Church in Gibsonville. The family will receive family and friends for visitation Saturday, March 15, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Apple’s Chapel Christian Church. An invitation is extended to all friends and family to attend a brief graveside burial on Monday, March 17, at 11 a.m. at Apple’s Chapel Cemetery. Other times, the family will receive guests at the home.

Memorial donations can be made to ALS United NC (4 N Blount St #200, Raleigh, NC 27601) or AuthoraCare Collective (914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215). The service on Sunday will be live streamed from the Apple’s Chapel website. You may send condolences and sign the online register at www.lowefuneralhome.com.