Thomas Grant Waldrop

Thomas Grant Waldrop
October 19, 1952 – November 17, 2025
Thomas Grant Waldrop, beloved husband, father, grandfather, artist, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and kindness.
Tommy was born on October 19, 1952, to Thurman and Bobbye Waldrop. He grew up in Marietta, Georgia, with his older brother, Carey, and younger sister, Cheryl, and spent a brief period living in Palo Alto, California. In his senior year of high school, he was voted “Most Talented,” a recognition of the curiosity, creativity, and gentle spirit that defined him throughout his life.
He attended the University of Georgia, earning specialized degrees in zoology and art. During his sophomore year, he met the love of his life, Susan Prescott, who was then a freshman at UGA (Go Dawgs!). They were married in 1975. Tommy went on to obtain a master’s degree in medical illustration from the Medical College of Georgia, a remarkable blend of art, science, and innovation.
The couple spent a short time in St. Louis, where Tommy worked as a medical photographer and welcomed the first joy of their lives, Justin Prescott Waldrop. In 1980, Tommy, Susan, and Justin moved to Hillsborough, where their second joy, Andrew Grant Waldrop, was born in 1982. They expanded their community by joining the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church in 1981.
Tom and Susan shared 54 years together, 50 of them married, building a partnership marked by love, devotion, and mutual respect that many aspired to emulate. Tommy thrived on spending time with family and friends, always greeting everyone with a warm smile and a kind word.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his sons, Justin (Leah) and Andy (Amanda); his three grandchildren, Grant, Eleanor, and Veda; and his faithful four-legged companion, Gabby, who even visited him in the hospital,a moment made possible by his angel nurse, Arianna. He also leaves behind a wide circle of friends whose lives he touched across the country.
Tommy loved the beauty of nature and traveled the world, capturing breathtaking scenes and transforming them into extraordinary paintings. He delighted in creating hand-drawn Christmas cards for his family when Justin and Andy were young, a tradition that later evolved into detailed charcoal portraits of his grandchildren. Some of the family’s favorite cards included their dog, Shine, yearning at a turkey; the four Waldrops depicted as superheroes; and even the family inside a snow globe.
Tommy will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He always saw the good in everyone, finding the bright side in every situation and bringing out the best in those around him. His kindness, patience, and unwavering optimism left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. As he often said, “Keep it simple, stupid.” We honor that wisdom today, knowing words alone cannot capture all that he meant to us.
Tommy’s wishes were to donate his body to the University of North Carolina medical school to advance the studies of health and science.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Food Bank of NC or Planned Parenthood.

We will gather to honor Tommy on November 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church.

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