Tommy was a good friend to me and my son since back in 2000 when we moved into a house just across the creek from Tommy's shop and house in Morrisville. When we were new in town, I brought my 10  year old son Mark Jr over there for our first haircuts in North Carolina, and we had such a good time listening to Tommy's jokes and stories, we became regulars. Such a good man and good barber too! 

Back in 2010 I told a local reporter I knew about Tommy, and she decided to interview him for one of the local magazines. We had fun as she asked him questions while  he cut my hair and Mark Jr looked on. The memorable and hilarious quote we remember was when she asked Tommy what he had learned from his many life experiences, and he answered "Every day is a good day for a nap!" So true, and so funny as usual. We will miss you Tommy.
Rest in Peace my friend. 
Mark Easley Sr.

To the Family & Friends of Tommy Tew,

Tommy was an excellent barber for decades and my husband (Frank) was a frequent customer when we moved to North Carolina in 2005.  Frank’s hair was always immaculate after a fresh cut.  Frank was blessed with a full head of hair and so was Tommy.  Frank would enjoy good conversation and fresh roasted peanuts while he waited his turn.  Tommy always called Frank “the big tipper”....once he left the house without his wallet and Tommy cut his hair as he sat in the chair and said to pay at the next visit.  Which of course Frank did as a USMC veteran and man of his word.  Frank even left a message when Tommy hurt his hip and was taking some time to rest.  

May the family find comfort in the cherished memories during this difficult time and peace that Tommy lived a life well and had a profound impact in the community. RIP Tommy .


I remember my dad taking me to Tommy's old shop on highway 55 in Morrisville. Sitting on the suitcase is something I still remember. I liked his shop at his house. I remember him delivering our mail when our road was dirt and dead end. I know my family is going to miss him alot. He was always such a big part of the community.

I am so sorry to see that Tommy has passed, and I pray y'all can find peace in the hope that he is with our Lord and Savior.  He and his shop were a monthly calm for me for a good 30 years while both working, and now after retirement.  I loved "short and shorter" cuts, and listening to his opinions even when they weren't in agreement with my thinking.  Honest, friendly and always humorous, Tommy always gave me a welcome respite compared to my normal busy life.  When he "retired" about 5 years ago, it was a loss to my life.  RIP my friend!!

Mike Mazanek
(The Cary client who fell off a roof the day after Hurricane Fran)

I want you all to know how much my family treasured Mr. Tommy.  He cut family members' hair for years and joked and teased the whole time he was cutting.  He and my Dad were fast friends for many years, and when Dad was on hospice care at home, Mr. Tommy came to the house and cut his hair.  He also brought some laughter and reminders of good times.  You all have my sincerest condolences on the loss of such a remarkable, caring man.  God bless you all.

Long time friend as my Barber and Sunday School Teacher. Tommy has told me to
Pray for Mercy, not Justice  -  as Justice may be more than I bargained for. AMEN...
He would advise me how to prepare for a Haircut, that is if I wanted him to give me
a good one, a Tommy Tew Special. He had at least one a Day. He told me not to get in
his chair just out of the shower, hair to dry, Don't have hair spray on head, scissors
 stuck to hair. And don't use  your hair for a towel.
    Their won't be but one Tommy Tew. He told me if God had made him any better, that God
        would have kept him for Himself.
           I am going to miss you Brother -  God Bless.
                    Claybon Council

OBITUARY

Prentiss Brogdon Tew

December 12, 1932 – January 21, 2021

Apex Funeral Home

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