NEWSOMS — Tommy entered eternal life on Sept. 28, 2018.

A son of Daniel Lawrence Ewald Sr. and Olive Elizabeth (Hine) Ewald, both deceased, he was born on March 26, 1949, in Danbury, Connecticut. His family moved to Norfolk in the early 1950s. Eventually, he met the love of his life, Peggy (Plemons) Ewald, one summer night while cruising the Virginia Beach strip. They were married on March 2, 1968, and shared an abundant and admired life together.

Tommy’s examples of love and loyalty for family inspired everyone, especially his daughter, Beth. Tommy treasured any opportunity to work or golf with his son, Eric. Among his greatest joys were his five grandchildren. Being a sports enthusiast, he encouraged the same in each of them. He also instilled a great love of all animals, particularly dogs.

As with generations before him, Tommy found himself in the tile industry, working at a warehouse at the age of 14. He eventually opened his own business in 1984. His handiwork can be viewed all around the Hampton Roads area, as well as in many other states. Tommy built and remodeled numerous kitchens and bathrooms, and especially loved projects with ceramics and stonework. He exhibited an old-school work ethic and took tremendous pride in any and all completed ventures.

Once retired, he immersed himself in other activities and interests in and around Southampton County. Most prominent among these were gardening, sports and helping others. Tommy befriended nearly everyone he met. He was warm, generous, gentle and kind with a truly loving heart. He will be forever missed and remembered.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Peggy Ewald; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Jeff Anderson (McKenney;) son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Karin Ewald (Virginia Beach;) grandchildren, Tyler Griner (Rachel,) Logan Griner (Amanda,) Samantha Ewald (Jonathan,) Hayden Ewald and Archer Ewald; two brothers, Daniel Lawrence Ewald Jr. (Cindy) of Chesapeake, and William E. Ewald (Ellen) of Norfolk; two sisters and their husbands, Pat and Robert Osmunson and Berta and Larry Brush; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen Campbell; and two nephews, Kevin and Peter Campbell, all of Southbury, Connecticut.

Please join us for a celebration of life service and reception on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. in Newsoms United Methodist Church, 29189 S. Main St.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.