Thomas H. Byrnes Jr. ’59

Tom died June 21, 2025, in his hometown of Thomasville, N.C.

He spent most of his life in North Carolina, graduating from Charlotte Central High School, where he was in the National Honor Society and choir. At Princeton, he majored in politics and sang in both the Glee Club and the Chapel Choir. He ate at Cloister and roomed with Randy Bigger, Robby Gardner, Rog Little, Charlie Murphy, and Charlie Stevenson.

Following Princeton, Tom attended Duke Medical School followed by five years with the Navy Medical Corps in Parris Island, S.C., Vietnam, San Diego, and Charleston. Upon release from active duty, he moved to Thomasville, where he practiced as an internist at Thomasville Medical Associates until his retirement in 1998.

Born with a talent for singing and acting, Tom joined local singing groups wherever he was, from the New Atlanta Singers to the Thomasville Chorale, to the Thomasville Players Theater group. He was an enthusiastic scuba diver and underwater photographer, as well as serving as an elder for his church, First Presbyterian of Thomasville.

Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shirley; children Francis, Carol, Steven, and Beverly; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Thomas III.