Thomas Franklin Whaley Jr., loved his family

Thomas Franklin Whaley Jr., 46, of Lewes, passed away Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.

Thomas, also known as Tom and T-Rex, was born Nov. 26, 1975, to Thomas and Betty Whaley in Frankford. Tom attended elementary school at East Millsboro and Frankford Elementary. He attended Milford Middle and Milford High School.

Tom spent much of his life living in Delaware. He was the fourth of five siblings on his mother’s side, and the fourth of eight on his father’s side. During his younger years, he grew up in Frankford, where he and his brothers and sisters made great memories. 

Tom was interested in starting his own contract construction business, and especially loved cutting hair. He loved using his hands and worked on many projects. He also enjoyed playing basketball, Nintendo games, music, playing pool, and cooking. Whenever he'd hear a song that he liked, he was known to play that one song on repeat for days. He'd rewind the song anytime he missed a line. Tom also enjoyed TV, and whenever he had the time, he'd binge-watch "The First 48" TV show.

Tom had a very special companion of 17 years, LaToria “Tori” Snead of Laurel. They especially loved vacationing together. Whenever they went on a trip and it was around water, he loved showing off just how deep he could go into the ocean. On one of the last trips he had in the Bahamas, he was saying how he must be getting old because the waves were catching him. 

Tom also loved chilling with his kids whenever he had a chance. He leaves to cherish his memory 10 children, Dasha Hall of Georgetown, Shaiheme Edwards of Bridgeville, Briana Bradley of Wilmington, Tom'ajah Whaley of Seaford, Sinceer Whaley of Seaford, Jaylyn Cannon of Bridgeville, Tymir Briddell of Laurel, Thomayne' Snead-Whaley of Laurel, Thomas Whaley lll of Laurel, and Trevon Whaley-Smith of Jacksonville, Fla.; three grandchildren, Syair Godwin, Ja’onna Hall, and Ne’lona Howell; and one grandchild on the way by his daughter Briana.

Tom also leaves to cherish his memory his mother Betty Whaley of Lincoln; four sisters, Naeema (Cookie) Whaley, Collena Hope (Chester) of Lincoln, Clarissa Custis of Dover, and Bettie Whaley of Harrington; three brothers, Tobias Austin, Teliam Austin, and Tamaris Austin; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, including one very special niece, Deshanae Young of Laurel. Deshanae was a niece whom Tom spent a lot of time with. No matter what Tom went through, she never turned him away. She was like a daughter to him, and anyone who knew him knew this.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Whaley Sr.; his niece, Michele’le Whaley; a great-nephew, Azriel Whaley; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Tom will truly be missed for his smile, and how it could light up any room; his voice, telling you before he would leave that he loved you, to be safe and that we all must go this way. These were words that he always uttered no matter where he was, what time it was, or who he was with. 

A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, Feb. 5, at Jesus Love Temple, 106 S. Walnut St., Milford, where friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon for viewing and visitation.  Interment will follow at Old Hickory Cemetery in Slaughter Neck.

Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com.

Arrangements provided by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.