Thomas Vaden Rooks

Thomas Vaden Rooks, age 97, passed away on November 20, 2024, after a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Thomas was born on January 31, 1927, in Cheriton on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Thomas was a salesman for the Southern Beauty Supply Co. before going to college. He attended the University of Tennessee for his undergraduate degree and the College of William & Mary for his Master’s in Education. After graduation, he found his passion as a schoolteacher. He taught for one year in the Knox County, Tennessee school system before moving to the Norfolk School System as a resource teacher in Physical Education. It was there that he met his wife Barbara while teaching at Ocean View Elementary School. He spent the majority of his career in education with the Hampton City School System as a principal, and later, as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. He was also Legislative Liaison to the Virginia General Assembly for the school system. He did this until his retirement in June 1991. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. He loved spending time on the Chesapeake Bay, as he was an avid fisherman. In his later years, he lived near the water on Ft. Monroe at the Chamberlin Retirement Center, and he greatly enjoyed his views of the Bay. He was an active member of his community, and was a proud member of Hampton Baptist Church as well as Hampton Kiwanis. Thomas is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Barbara, his children, Mark Rooks and his wife Myrna, Rebecca O'Farrell and her husband Kevin, Laura Dustin and her husband Donald, his 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. Arrangements are as follows: the family will receive visitors at 10 a.m. on November 26, 2024, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11 a.m., Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.