Mr. Marion Thomas “Tom/Tombo” Brady Jr., 64, won his fight against kidney cancer at home in the arms of his loving lady on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
Tom was born to the late Margaret Ann Wilson (née Smith) and the late Marion Thomas Brady Sr. on Sept. 14, 1962. He spent much of his childhood exploring the woods and waters of the Eastern Shore with his best friend, the late Cecil Carlyle Smith Jr. The boys were inseparable and could often be found with Tombo’s late grandfather, Cecil Carlyle Smith Sr., boating and fishing out of Schooner Bay.
Tombo was a known presence at the Dream Roller Rink. He skated and ran the pool tables throughout his youth and young adult years. He also enjoyed “cruising” Four Corner Plaza, most notably in a pink Ford Mustang.
Tom joined the National Guard in Onancock as a light air defense artillery crewmember in 1981 before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1987. During his Army service as an aircraft powertrain repair specialist, Tom served in South Korea twice with the B-CO 2nd 501st Aviation Regiment “Innkeepers” and in Kuwait with the I-CO 159th Aviation Regiment 29th Division during Operation Desert Storm.
He took pride in his work with helicopters, including the Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook, Cobra, Iroquois, and Kiowa. Tom was honorably discharged from the Army in 1995 with several service medals, ribbons, and badges, including three Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, three Overseas Service Ribbons, and the Expert Rifle, Expert Grenade, and Aircraft Crewman Badges. He was also recommended for the Army Commendation Medal, an honor he remained proud to have been considered for.
Following his military service, Tom worked in custom home construction, served as a sales representative for 84 Lumber, and helped complete custom aircraft interiors with BaySys Technologies before becoming a deputy with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office.
Tom continued his love of the outdoors into adulthood, enjoying hunting and fishing throughout the Eastern Shore. He also enjoyed shooting and archery and had a keen interest in the history of firearms, the military, ancient civilizations, and the mysteries of the universe.
Tombo had an artistic side, enjoying drawing, pottery, and creating unique campaign scenarios for Dungeons & Dragons.
He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and loved exploring the back roads on two wheels. He also loved traveling and creating adventures with his lady, including many trips to Walt Disney World in Florida. Although he might have grumbled about Disney to others, he secretly enjoyed the rides, food, shows, and, most of all, seeing his lady smile.
After years of searching for answers, Tom gave his life to Jesus Christ on Aug. 22, 2024, and was baptized on Oct. 16, 2026.
Tom made a family as unique as himself. He is survived by his son, Bo Brady (Suzana), of Painter, and daughter, Sierra “Storm” Brady (Anthony) of Oklahoma City, Okla. He also leaves on Earth two stepdaughters, Autumn Ferguson and Cherith Roach; three grandchildren, Kali, Dominic, and Lucas; two bonus parents, David and Kristy Gladding, of Clam; two cats, his “baby,” Pixie Rose, and the “demon,” Phoenix Lee; “his puppy dog,” Snowflake Noel; and several nieces, nephews, godchildren, and other souls who called him Uncle Tombo.
Perhaps the hardest soul for Tom to leave behind was his wife, his lady, Sarah Paige.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m., from the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley, with Pastor Mark Layne officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Parksley Cemetery in Parksley.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 676226, Dallas, TX 75267-6226; or Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, Inc., 6555 Rock Spring Drive, Suite 280, Bethesda, MD 20817.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
