William “Tom” Braithwaite

Elk Garden, WV

William Thomas “Tom” Braithwaite, 80 years old, of Elk Garden, took his final journey on November 18, 2021, as he crossed into the heavenly realm, where he was greeted by his father Walter Braithwaite, his mother Martha (Maynard) Braithwaite and his infant daughter, Sally Ann Braithwaite. Tom the oldest of 13 children, was born to Walter and Martha Braithwaite on September 18, 1941.

Tom graduated from Elk Garden High School in 1959. Tom was employed at Westvaco Luke Mill, where he began his career as a broke hustler in machine room one two and three, at the age of 18. He continued his employment at Westvaco until his retirement, as the Beryl Woodyard Supervisor in 2003. During his 44 years he made many lifelong friends including, Eldred Broadwater, Ben Smith, Wolford Perando, Walter Livingood, Allen Pysell, Debbie Twyman, Leo Niland, and Bob Irvin of Old Dominion Saw Works, Lynchburg VA.

Tom was the recipient of the Harry Alt Award in 2011. Tom served on the Elk Garden Town Council for 20+ years andnumerous county wide committees. He was also an active member of the Elk District Fire Company where he served as Chaplain for many years. Tom received the Jessie Reel Memorial Award in 2008 and 2014, he was also the Recipient of the Chiefs award in 2010. Tom spent many hours in the kitchen at the Fire Company supporting the Ladies Auxiliary as they provided food for the annual carnival. Tom was also active in the Bill Nesbit Memorial Hunt. Tom made many trips to Charleston WV to obtain grants and funding for the Town of Elk Garden, Elk District Fire Company, and the Elk District Ambulance Service. Tom was also a member of the Friends of Jennings Randolph Lake where he received an Appreciation Award from Jennings Randolph Lake.

Tom would often be found driving a bus to children’s crusades, revivals, church camp, and church trips. Tom was also a member of the Deacon Board for the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Cross WV, and the Elk Garden Assembly of God Church. Tom loved to help his family and neighbors on home repair projectsor offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Katherine Jean Braithwaite, one son William “Bill” Braithwaite and his wife Rita (Hottle), of Elk Garden, three daughters Barbara Fortner and her husband Harold, of Maysville, Regina Pancake and her husband Andrew, of Elk Garden, and Dr Tara Braithwaite, of Maidsville. Tom is also survived by 8 grandchildren SamathaJackson, Kenny Braithwaite, Chad Clemons and his wife Kayla (Kyle), Emma Staggs and her husband Logan, and Reuben, Leah, Lucy and Joe Pancake, and one great granddaughter, Sutton Braithwaite. Tom is also survived by six brothers, Richard Braithwaite and wife Donna, Paul Braithwaite and wife Norma, Donnie Braithwaite and wife Betty, Gary Braithwaite and wife Debbie, Dale Braithwaite and wife Tammie, and David Braithwaite and wife Tammy; and six sisters, Judy Roy and husband Jim, Connie Hesse, and husband Harold “Bud”, Sandy Baker and husband Jerry “Buck”, Lena Warnick, Debbie Baker and husbandEdward “Duke”, Sharon Harvey and husband Tom. He is survived by a special cousin, Bob Braithwaite and wife Glenda, several aunts and uncles and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Boal Funeral Home, 111 Church Street, Westernport, MD on Tuesday, November 23rd from 4 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, November 24th from 10 to 11 a.m.  A funeral service will follow the visitation on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Andrew Pancake officiating.

Roger Leatherman will conduct the committal service at Sinclair Memorial Park, Cross following the funeral service.

Wearing a mask and social distancing is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Bill Nesbit Memorial Hunt in care of Elk District Volunteer Fire Company.