Tom Vaden, 88, of Charlotte, NC passed into his eternal home and the presence of the Lord on March 8, 2017 after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. He was born February 21, 1929 in Francisco, Stokes County, NC to the late William Oscar Vaden and Lula Mabe Vaden. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Hill Vaden; brothers, Lindsay and Troy Vaden; and sisters, Verda Vaden Smith and Mary Vaden Martin.
Tom graduated from Nancy Reynolds High School in 1945. He worked on his family farm and drove a school bus for a year until he was old enough to join the Navy at age 17 in 1946. He served in the US Navy Seabees from 1946-1949. After his honorable discharge he spent several years farming and two years as an instructor in the Veterans Farm Program at Sandy Ridge, NC. There he met his first wife, Joyce Ann Hill, and they were married in 1950. In 1952 Tom entered NC State College on the GI bill with his wife Joyce and son Mike. Son Steve was born a few months into his freshman year. They resided in Vetville with other veterans and their families while attending school at NC State. He was a member of the Veterans Association, AIChE, Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, Tau Beta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi honorary scholastic fraternities. Tom graduated with high honors in Chemical Engineering in 1956 and began his professional career with Union Carbide, Institute, WV. He spent most of his career with Hoechst Celanese in Charlotte and Rock Hill, SC, working in chemical fiber process development until he retired in 1993 after 36 years.
Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and son.. His love for his family was a testimony to the patriarch he was for many years. He always enjoyed seeing the family together, celebrating holidays and special occasions. He was deeply loved by his family and will be missed. His favorite pastime was spending time at Ocean Isle Beach with his family, which he enjoyed for many years. Tom was an avid Wolfpack fan and supporter for over 60 years in both athletics and scholastics. He enjoyed many trips to Raleigh with his family for NC State football games and family gatherings. He was an active member of Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon.
Tom married his current wife, Cynthia (Cindy) B. Hill in 2010, and they enjoyed time between Charlotte and Sunset Beach. He is survived by her and his four children, Mike and wife Dana of Charlotte, Steve and wife Abbey of Lincolnton, Annette Holesh and husband Michael of Raleigh, Jennifer Morgan and husband Philip of Apex, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, brother in law Aubrey Martin, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He is also survived by Cindy’s 5 children and spouses, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday evening at McEwen Funeral Service Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte. The funeral service will be Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church, 8801 Park Road, Charlotte, with the Reverend Dr. Augustus E Succop III, officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery following a reception at the church.
The family particularly wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Stuart Garner for his compassionate concern and care during Tom’s illness. Memorials may be made to the V Foundation and Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by McEwen Funeral Service, Pineville Chapel.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18