Leaving base after being discharged midday on a Friday, his wife and newborn son returned to his hometown, and he started a career on Monday as a helper at a plumbing company. Later, his interest in industrial pipefitting led him to join a local union that offered a five-year night school to perfect his skills. He worked 20 years as a certified welder on construction projects and 16 years as a maintenance pipefitter with a large company. He enjoyed every project, big and small, but most of all, he enjoyed the variety of characters he encountered with various skills.

Thomas has been married to his high school sweetheart, Susan, for 55 years. They have two sons and three grandchildren. One is a nurse, one is a college senior, and the youngest joined the Air Force in June 2024. Thomas learned his kidneys had completely failed during a hospital stay due to severe weakness and fatigue. While dialysis has maintained his body these last four years, it continues to demand so much of his energy. He often suffers from low hemoglobin, even with constant monitoring at the dialysis clinic. He needs the gift of a kidney to allow his body to regain his previous energy levels and live out his natural life.

In retirement, Thomas has enjoyed many interests, but his favorite is tending to his small muscadine vineyard. Muscadine grapes are Southern grapes that are very delicious! With kidney failure, he can only eat a few, but he loves to share them. Will you join DOVE in our mission to find a kidney for Thomas? Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!