Thomas Earl Chadwick

December 18, 1946 - February 28, 2023
Thomas Earl Chadwick


Thomas (Tomcat) Earl Chadwick of Leland NC, passed to his final resting place on February 28, 2023, surrounded by wife Deborah, son Thomas William Chadwick, and other loved ones after battling pneumonia.

Born December, 1946, at James Walker Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, Tom grew up in Jacksonville NC, and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1965.

In 1966, Tom enlisted in the United States Army, completed basic training at Fort Bragg, and received Crypto Technology Training at Ft. Gordon, GA. Then he was transferred to Phu Lam, Vietnam in June of 1967 where he served as a dedicated Communications Marksman Center Specialist. Tom served his country honorably as an US Army marksmanreceiving the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. After his tour of duty was over, Tom returned to Fort Lee VA, and functioned as an instructor at Fort Lee Technical Training School until his US Army service was completed in 1969.

During his life, Tom was employed by the Brunswick County Sheriff Department and Carolina Power & Light at Sutton Steam Plant as a First Class Millwright. He was also a member of Wilmington Masonic Lodge #319 A.F. &  A.M. In his free time, Tom loved woodworking, rebuilding classic cars, gardening, and spending time with grandkids.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Joshua C Chadwick, Jr. and Edith Sellers Chadwick, sister Mary Chadwick Latta, and son Joshua Paul Chadwick. He is survived by his wife Deborah McGuire Chadwick, son Thomas William Chadwick (Mesha), grandson Thomas Levi, granddaughters Caroline, Christen, Alexandria, and Elizabeth; brother Joshua C. Chadwick, III (Linda), and many nieces and nephews who will all cherish his memory forever.

The family is sincerely grateful for the excellent care given at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington.

Funeral services are planned for 11 am Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at Cape Fear Memorial  Park in Southport, NC.

Share memories and condolences by visiting the “Tribute Wall.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.

Tribute Wall

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  • March 07, 2023
    Carrie Morton Combs says:
    I remember you and Mom (Mary Chadwick Latta) dancing the Carolina Shag at my wedding. I loved watching you dance. You were the life of the party. Always had the biggest smile. I enjoyed hearing you tell me stories about my Dad Lonnie. Please tell Poppa, Doll, Cousin Josh & Faye, Bryan, Mom, and Aunt Klara that I love them. Help them watch over us as we continue on in absence. I love you.

  • March 06, 2023
    JC Chadwick says:
    As I recall the countless growing-up memories and my heartfelt love for you, I am overwhelmed! You and I have shared so many, many special occasions, and l look forward to sharing even more when I join with you, Aunt Klara, Joshua Paul, Faye, Mary, Chiefie and Pop at Heaven’s gate. Today, we honor and lift you in a celebration of life. Long live the memories of Thomas, “The Earl of Chadwick!” Your “Brother Man,” JC

  • March 05, 2023
    JC Chadwick says:
    As I recall the countless growing-up memories and my heartfelt love for you, I am overwhelmed! You and I have shared so many, many special occasions, and l look forward to sharing even more when I join with you, Aunt Klara, Joshua Paul, Faye, Mary, Chiefie and Pop at Heaven’s gate. Today, we honor and lift you in a celebration of life. Long live the memories of Thomas, “The Earl of Chadwick!” Your “Brother Man,” JC

  • March 04, 2023
    Jane crowder lit a candle:
    Lit since March 4, 2023 at 3:29:00 PM

  • March 04, 2023
    Jane crowder says:
    Please accept our condolences in the passing of Tom. May gods love surround the family during this difficult time. I am sure that Josh was there to greet you into your eternal home. God bless you both❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ John and Jane Crowder Leland NC