Thomas “Tom” Simmons Lynch

January 22, 1955 - July 13, 2014
Thomas “Tom” Simmons Lynch

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Thomas Simmons “Tom” Lynch died on Sunday, July 13, 2014. His life mate of 15 years, Faith, was by his side. The cause of death was a fabulous life, including 25 years of easy beach living in Wilmington & Wrightsville Beach.

He is survived by his siblings; John, Logan, & Sallie; his in-laws, Annette, Marsden and Carter; his nieces and nephews; Caroline & John, Jack & Cate, Simmons, Marsden & Kendall, Liz & Jason, Carter, & Will; Katelyn and Justin; his great nieces & nephews; Parker, Molly, Campbell, Lilly, Ian, Falon, Geneva and Piper; his Uncle Billy; his first wife Cathy; and his dog Zeus. Tom loved and enjoyed every one of them. Several of them have picked up Tom’s unique southern drawl.

Tom was born in High Point, North Carolina on January 22, 1955 to Dr. John F. Lynch & Betty Simmons Lynch. He attended High Point public schools and was an Eagle Scout. He continued his education at Woodberry Forest School, NC State University, and graduated from High Point College.

Although Tom was a career salesman in hardwoods, floor coverings, and real estate; he was not a man who focused on academic and career accomplishments. An honest and principled life, along with some Rocky Mount sausage & a few beers, was just fine.

His passions were fishing, hunting, golfing, a little poker, and having fun with his dear friends. Tom hated hypocrites and UNC, not necessarily in that order. Tom was funny, truthful, self-depreciating, straight to the point, and likeable.

Tom’s trademark was his sense of humor & sense of conservatism. He deftly wielded them throughout his infamous toasts at weddings and parties. An example was at his dad’s second wedding, when Tom told the wedding party that you would think a couple with 144 years of life experience would have enough sense not to get married. He then warned the participants at this Episcopal event to be careful when choosing between sipping, dipping, & knee walking. Tom finished up by advising them that he was consistently “right” and although occasionally supporting moderates like Jesse, Strom, & Rush he was basically conservative.

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Tom’s life in their own way. Instead of flowers, Tom would hope that you will do a clever unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness to someone in his name or just tell a “Tom” story. Tom will be cremated and the destination of his ashes will be left to your imagination.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Third Street, Wilmington, NC. Reception to follow in Gilmore Hall.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • July 18, 2014
    Jack White says:
    Tom’s gone? How can it be? It seems like only yesterday we were both Troop 1 Boy Scouts, meeting every Thursday night at the Scout Hut at Milford Byerly’s house. I have fond memories of camping with Tom, especially the hiking trips to the Bear’s Den and canoeing down the Yadkin River. Rest in peace, old friend.

  • July 13, 2014
    Sherrie Yarborough says:
    Dearest Lynch family: My deepest Sympathy! God gained an amazing Angel today who will keep heaven on their toes. He is reunited not only with his parents but dear friends he had here on earth. You touched me by knowing you and a part of me went with you. A part of you stays with me. I am forever changed by you. Life continues with me. You are forever with Me Tom! Rest in peace dear friend!!