Thomas B. “Tom Terrific” Dedmon, Jr.
June 13, 1936 - March 19, 2023
Thomas B. “Tom Terrific” Dedmon, Jr., age 86, of Newark, DE, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
Born in Nashville, TN on June 13, 1936, he was a son of the late Thomas Bernice and Audalee (Shepperson) Dedmon, Sr. Tom was a graduate of Tennessee Tech and Wilmington College where he earned his M.A. in Science and Human Resource Management. He proudly served for 35 years in the Army Reserve retiring at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Tom worked as a chief industrial engineer at Dupont Co. retiring in 1991 after 30 years. He then went on to work as a civil engineer in Saudi Arabia from 1995 until 1999.
Tom was known for always helping others and loved to give back to his community. He spent time working for Amazing Grace Outreach Ministries in Middletown as well as Bill Glass Prison Ministries. Tom even baked cookies for every Delaware State prisoner for Christmas. He was also a Mason at the Piedmont Lodge # 152. Tom was passionate about his faith and was an active member of Newark Church of Christ. In his spare time, he was an avid runner, participating in 6 marathons. Above all, Tom will be remembered as an amazingly selfless and humble man.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Edward Dale Dedmon and Donette Doak. He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Marie (Gregory) Dedmon; children, Gregory Dedmon and Todd Dedmon; granddaughter, Zoe Dedmon; and sister, Lounita Sampson (Trice).
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A second visitation will be held from 6 pm until 7 pm on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Newark Church of Christ, 91 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 7 pm. A committal service will begin at 11 am on Friday, March 31, 2023, in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Bill Glass Behind the Walls, Attn: Michael Nolan, 1101 South Cedar Ridge Drive, Duncanville, TX 75137 or online by clicking here or to Amazing Grace Outreach Ministries and U.S. Food Rescue, 603 Lockhaven Court, Newark, DE 19702.
Greg Jamison
Dianne & family, sorry for your loss. Tom was a great man who always had a big smile. Tom may you rest in peace. Greg Jamison, Middletown, DE
Beverly Tozer
Dear Diane, Gregory, Todd, and Zoe,
I knew Tom had reclining health the last few years, and to hear the past few weeks that Tom was in hospice and to hear in the same sentence that he died this past Sunday brought a deep sadness to my heart. But, I believe deeply that God has walked with Tom through all the years Tom has been on earth. I believe in God’s promises, and I know he prepared a place for your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Tom had such a loving presence and his sweet and always expected response when asked how he was truly was a loving way he lived. He was terrric in his attitude, in his willingness to reach out to others to do all he could in service. He lived as a true example of what God calls Christians to be. Tom was not judgmental, but he cared deeply about the things that harmed people always trying to lead others in ways that would be more healthy emotionally and spiritually so that others could find their strength in God, too! When I would see Tom in your home Diane, you and Tom always made me feel welcomed. I would not be surprised if he prayed for each of you everyday. I think he took all his problems to God and depended on God to help him with any concerns that he ever had. I believe each of you was so deeply loved and appreciated by Tom. I am very happy you were his family chosen by God for his life to be filled with love and any challenge he had to face, he did it with God who only helped Tom to grow in being kinder, more loving, and more devoted. My deepest sympathies to you his beloved family. I truly admired him, and I am so very blessed God let me see the sweetness of Tom’s heart. May you be comforted knowing this precious husband, father, and grandfather has each of you in his heart, and he certainly will always watch over you. My deepest compassion, and know you are in my heart and prayers. What a beautiful gift Tom gave to all of you knowing he definitely is in safe keeping being a man of God. Still, it is hard to have his light leave our earth. He truly was a very incredible human being.
The Griffins
To Diane, Todd and Greg
We were so happy to have the pleasure of having known you and Tom in the neighborhood. Tom was a hard and diligent worker. He was self motivated and that encouraged others to join him in doing volunteer work. Our most found memory of him was watching him pack, organize and deliver cookies to the Delaware inmates. He had so much energy and always encouraged others. We will miss his presence here on earth. We pray for much strength for the family as you mourn the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
Jerry DiEleuterio
Rest in Peace Soldier!🇺🇸
Todd,
My sincere condolences on your Father’s passing. My thoughts will be with you and your family.
Kay Huff Taylor
I have so many fond memories of Tom Terrific!! I’ll always remember his enthusiasm and warm smile! He made such a positive impression on all of us beginning with our youth group days. May your family feel the Lord’s comfort at this time!
Gordon Hendry
Rest in peace Chief Dedmon, you served your country. MSG Gordon “Flash” Hendry
Carolyn Betit
Diane, Gregg and Todd – many happy memories of you all, Tom taught many Bible lessons and was a faithful man of God. May God hold you all especially close and give His amazing comfort – may memories bring Joy – sending love
Carol Sizemore
I have so many sweet memories of Tom. I loved seeing him always at church greeting everyone. I loved asking “How are you, Tom?” As so many from church and working with him always knew his reply would be “TERRIFIC”. And he will always be! He walked with and talked of Jesus! You will be missed, Tom, but have made a grand entrance into Paradise! Say hi to Jerry for me. I loved knowing and working with you through the years. Diane, Greg, and Todd, I am sorry for the grief you feel. Prayers for you all. Love you. Carol Sizemore
Rev. Ella Edwards
To Tom “Terrific” Dedmon family. I met Tom several years ago at a Prison Fellowship meeting. His humbleness and smile was contagious.. His love for God and those incarcerated was contagious as well. He was such a loving soul and amazing man. I do believe Tom has taken his flight to heaven and awaiting his Crown of Life. I will be praying for the family.
Brent Lewis
I always knew him as Mr. Dedmond. At 59 years old now I can honestly say that few people bring an instant smile to my face when I hear their name mentioned. Such an incredibly selfless man who truly wanted nothing more than to be kind and make others feel special. Mission accomplished!
Lisa J. Ciconte
Dear Diane, Greg & Todd Dedmon: I’m sorry to hear about Mr. Tom “Terrific” Dedmon. He was always a kind man.
Retta W. Mills
I met Tom when he and my husband, Stephen Mills, were serving in the 2076th USAR School together. He was a wonderful Christian man who truly walked the walk every day. He was so kind to me when my husband was killed, and I will always be grateful. He now walks…or is running….on Streets of Gold! We are blessed to have the assurance of seeing him again. My thoughts and prayers to the Dedmon family.