Thomas John Terwilliger (54) died unexpectedly at Duke Hospital on the anniversary of his mother's birth June 21, 2019.  He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Theresa "Terry" Terwilliger and Grandparents, Thomas and Marian Laurito. He is survived by his father, Howard Terwilliger. His devoted wife of 18 years Pamela Horton Terwilliger. Tom was a loving father to Evalee McNulty (Chad Domm), Thomas (Kaity) McNulty, John Michael McNulty and Zackary Terwilliger. A doting grandfather to Jude Domm and Alicia McNulty. An amazing brother to Michele (Kevin) Collier, Charles (Christine) Terwilliger Sr., Stephen Terwilliger and Theresa (Jeffrey) Hodges. A fun uncle to Jennifer Wyatt (Paul), Michael (Amanda) Collier, Charles (Andria) Terwilliger Jr., Brian Terwilliger, Justin Terwilliger, Anna Collier, Blake Terwilliger, Megan Hodges, Alexander Collier, Ashley Terwilliger, Christopher Hodges, Sarah (Daniel) Faucette, Laura Nash, Cameron O'Shea, Emma and Phin Majors. Grandnephews and niece: Charles III, Gabriel and Norah Terwilliger.

Thomas was born in Waverly, NY.  He resided in NY until the family moved to Cary, NC in 1978.  Tom graduated from Cary High School in 1982 and enrolled in Wake Forest Technical Community College. He was an astute mechanic at Terry's Tires for decades, employed at IBM and other technical computer companies. He was employed at Duke Hospital's ER for a short while then began to work at Home Depot in Durham, NC for 13 years in multiple departments and finally as Department Head of the Freight Team. He had an unprecedented work ethic that he held with every position that he held regardless of the duration in that role.

Tom always helped anyone with anything, whenever he was needed. Through their entire relationship, Tom lovingly helped his wife persevere through her medical conditions. He flew out on a moment's notice to help Scott with home renovations in WY, and took care of Evalee and John Michael every step of the way with their kidney transplant.

He was always ready to get a dig in or insert a punny joke, even when things were going wrong.  He was always prepared to give a harsh word… or a dozen to his video games, vehicle repairs, computer…pretty much anything he was working on or with. Tom always loved to bring up that while growing up whenever Howard spilled a glass on a table they in a restaurant by saying "Now that we have that out of the way," after telling that anecdote Tom would always say that he wanted to tip a glass over to get any further accidents out of the way.

Thomas was extremely close to his siblings, especially Charles Sr., the pair of brothers were nicknamed "The Twins." When Zackary was 6 months he stood in front of the two men trying to figure out which was his father.

Tom was an avid fan of the New York Jets, and esteemed member of "Winners' League," a NFL Fantasy Football League. CJ's team the "Studs," Zack's "Hulksters", Chuck's "Genetic Freaks", Michael's "Billy Bad Ass", Paul's "Da Bears", Justin's "League MVT" and Chris' team "The Umbrella Corp". All the teams consistently defeated Tom's "GW Machine". Tom wanted to destroy the other teams with such a strong desire, unfortunately he ended up living out his favorite song lyric from the Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want" instead.

Tom will be remembered for his loving commitment to family and friends alike. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone around him feel special. He cherished time with family, especially his children and always made time for family traditions and get togethers whether it be a big holiday or simple gathering to share the gift of one another.  His kind confidence and gentle manner will be sorely missed but his memory will be carried in our hearts forever. We are all the better for having been so blessed to have been in his life. Eternal rest grant unto you Thomas John Terwilliger.