Thomas "Tom" Joseph Earley, Jr.

Thomas Joseph Earley, Jr.

Beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend

August 5, 1945 – June 22, 2025

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Thomas Joseph “Tom” Earley, Jr. passed away Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Cone Hospital after a life of quiet strength, deep devotion, and steadfast faith. Known for his integrity, humility, kindness, and servant heart, Tom lived with purpose and left a lasting impact on everyone privileged to know him.

He was born on August 5, 1945, in Camden, New Jersey, to Bertha Beebe Earley and Thomas Joseph Earley, Sr. Tom graduated from Gloucester High School in 1963 and completed his studies at Spring Garden Institute in Philadelphia in 1965.

Tom began his career as an engineer with AT&T in 1965 before serving his country in the Air National Guard and later the United States Air Force Reserves. Both roles he carried with quiet pride and deep responsibility.

Over the next four decades in his career, he rose to executive leadership in AT&T and later Lucent Technologies and General Dynamics, guiding national telecommunications projects and government programs. His work ethic, calm leadership and gift for mentorship shaped the careers and character of countless colleagues until his retirement.

Tom was an outdoorsman. He loved sailing, fishing, hunting and golfing. He became a certified scuba diver and licensed pilot. He was a high school football official for over 40 years in New Jersey and North Carolina. He was a former member of Guilford Flyfishing and Fly-tying Association and Beekeepers Association. He was currently secretary of Alamance Wildlife Club, a member of Tabasco Lodge 271, where he was named Mason of the year in 2019 and 2022, and the Burlington Shrine Club. He was a marathon runner and competed in many marathons including New York and the 100th anniversary of the Boston Marathon in 1996. He was a proud former member of the Milltown Jaycees in New Jersey, where he served as president. He volunteered at the Greater Greensboro Open (now Wyndham Golf Tournament) since moving to Greensboro in 1983. He was named volunteer of the year for the Wyndham Golf Tournament in 2019. He worked at Stoney Creek Golf Course until January of this year.

At the center of Tom’s world was his wife and best friend, Brenda Shaw Earley. Married for over 27 years, theirs was a partnership built on love, mutual respect, and unwavering support.

Tom is survived by Brenda; children Judy Earley Revels (Bart), Kathy Earley Caviness (Sean), Jason Wright (Stephanie), and Brandon Wright (Jacinta); grandchildren Kate, Emma, Addy, Fable, Will, Peapod, Cammie, Savannah, Katie, Jack, Ava, Aaden, Madeleine, and McKenna; and great-grandchildren Josie, Griffin, Shepherd, Owen, and Maddox. He is also survived by his brother Steven Earley (Kathy), his sister Judith Earley Boyle, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

Tom led with quiet faith and lived a life of steadfast love, honest work, and humble service. His legacy is one of deep roots, strong values, and unwavering kindness. His was a life well-lived, and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 13th at 2pm at St Mark’s Community Church officiated by Rev. Bob Disher. The family will receive friends following the service in the Atrium.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Dr., Oxford, NC 27565. https://mhc-oxford.org/ The family also invites you to honor him by serving others, cherishing time with loved ones, and walking in faith, just as he did.