Thomas Keith Slappe

Thomas “Tom” Keith Slappe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 80. Born on December 16, 1944, in Charleston, West Virginia, Tom grew up with strong family values, a resilient spirit, and deep pride in his country. He honorably served in the United States Army as a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division, bravely fighting for his country during the Vietnam War. He served with courage, discipline, and unwavering patriotism, and his military service remained one of the great honors of his life.

Tom married the love of his life, his beautiful wife Patricia, and together they shared 60 years of marriage, a testimony to devotion, faithfulness, and enduring love. After their marriage, Tom and Patricia made their home in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where they lived for over 60 years, building a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and service to others. Their life together was filled with laughter, service to others, their church and unwavering support for one another.

Tom spent his career in aviation, serving Piedmont Airlines and later US Airways, where he was respected for his dedication, leadership, and strong work ethic. He retired after 40 years of service, forming lifelong friendships and earning the admiration of colleagues who valued his steady presence and commitment. After retirement from the airlines, he worked at Window World for 10 years.

Tom was a proud and dedicated father to his daughters, Lisa Head and son-in-law Henry and Paula Slappe and partner Ashley.  One of his greatest joys was being “Papa” to his grandsons Thomas Head and wife Costa and Jonathan Head and his wife Callie, and “Great” Papa to his precious great-grandsons Henry James, John Shepherd, Hunter Maverick, and Conner Ellington, who loved their Papa dearly and brought boundless joy into his life.

Tom loved the outdoors, especially fishing, one of his lifelong passions. He played a leadership role in the Long Whiskers Catfish Club and Swamp Boys Fishing to Fight Cancer where he built lasting friendships, mentored younger fishermen, and shared countless big fish stories from the water. His calm presence, steady hand, and great humor made him someone everyone admired and loved. 

In his younger years, Tom loved racing at the dirt track and drag strip on the weekends, chasing speed, competition, and the thrill of roaring engines. 

Tom was a man who could work on and fix anything, and he used that gift generously to help friends, neighbors, and family whenever they needed him. He loved to paint and restore old cars and boats, earning the affectionate nickname “Bondo Man” for his talent in repairing, sanding, and painting projects that others thought were beyond saving. His hands were always busy, turning broken things into something useful and beautiful again.

Tom lived his life with a servant’s heart, always giving back to others. He served faithfully as a deacon and trustee at First Baptist Church in Hope Mills, North Carolina, where he was deeply respected for his humility, compassion, and willingness to serve. He loved going to church and giving back to those in need, and he never met a stranger. He loved to talk with people, share stories, laugh together, and offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement.

Tom had a deep passion for community service and believed strongly in making a difference in the lives of others. He played a key leadership role in Fishing to Fight Cancer in support of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, helping to organize and participate in numerous catfish fishing tournaments that raised over three million dollars to support children battling cancer. His dedication, servant leadership, and generous heart touched countless lives, and the impact he had will continue for generations to come.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Richard and Margaret Slappe, his three brothers, Dickie, Jerry and Johnny, and his dearly loved mother and father-in-law Demetrius and Nellie Callahan.

Tom’s life was defined by humility, kindness, selfless service, and unwavering love—for his country, his church, his family, and all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the example he set, and the memories he leaves behind.

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, daughters Lisa (Henry) and Paula (Ashley), grandsons Thomas (Costa) and Jonathan (Callie) and great-grandsons Henry James, John Shepherd, Hunter Maverick, and Conner Ellington and many very special nieces and nephews. His family finds comfort knowing he is reunited in Heaven with his parents, brothers, and friends and is at peace in the loving arms of his Savior.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday December 18, 2025 with visitation starting at 1:45pm followed by the service at 3pm at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church, 4621 Cameron Road Hope Mills, NC 28348 or the St Judes Children’s Hospital, www.childrenscancer.org, made in his honor.

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

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”2 Timothy 4:7–8

“Do not let your hearts be troubled… In my Father’s house are many rooms…

I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1–3

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