Virgil "Tommy" Vaught

Virgil Thomas “Tommy Vaught, 76, went home to be with the Lord on March 15, 2026. Born September 2, 1949, in Narrows, Virginia, Tommy spent his life rooted in Giles County, the place he loved and proudly called home. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family following a brief, but courageous battle with cancer.

Tommy served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. After returning home, he began a career at the Celanese Plant where he worked faithfully for 33 years. His dedication and strong work ethic were just a few examples of the quiet strength and reliability defined in the man he was.

While Tommy worked hard through his life, what meant the most to him was always his family. In his later years, he lived in Wytheville, Virginia with his wife until his daughter lovingly welcomed him into her home in Narrows, Virginia, where she cared for him with the same love he had always given so freely to others. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, Judy Trivette and Brittany Brown, whose kindness, compassion, and support meant so much during this time.

Tommy had a deep love for music and a beautiful talent to sing, and some of his happiest moments were spent singing karaoke with his family. Those nights filled with laughter, music, and togetherness created memories that will forever echo in the hearts of those who shared them.

Anyone who knew Tommy knew the kind of heart he carried. He was truly one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He believed in helping others and would quite literally give the shirt off his back to someone in need. His compassion extended to all living things, especially his beloved cats and animals he cared for so deeply.

More than anything, Tommy will be remembered for the love he gave so freely-a love that was steady, generous, and unconditional.

He leaves behind the family who meant the world to him: his wife, Dixie Susan Williams; his children, Melanie and Keith Vaught (April); his grandchildren, Logan Rice, River Lang, Zachary Vaught, Amari Vaught, and Gracie Reynolds; his great-grandson, Lincoln Rice; his sister, Cheryl Mullins of Valley Head, Alabama; a niece, Julie Dicer (Donny) of Athens, Georgia; a nephew, Chris Robertson (Kim) of Valley Head, Alabama; a special friend, Jerry Johnson who was faithful in visiting with him; and numerous cousins and neighbors who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Vivian Vaught and Edna Kate Vaught.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that Tommy’s kindness, laughter, and love will live on in the many lives he touched, the songs he sang, the stories shared, and the love he gave will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made in his honor to the animal shelter of your choice.

The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A graveside service will be conducted Friday, March 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery where Military Honors will also be presented by the American Legion Post 58 and the United States Air Force. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Vaught family.