The Legacy of Thomas Everett Harmon, IV

To his parents he was known as “Thomas Everett” ...

To his Mother, Aunts, Female Cousins, he was called “Man” ...

To his wife, he was known as “Babe” ...

To his children he was “Pops” ...

To his granddaughters he was “Gramps” ...

To his sister, brother and friends he was “Tricky” ...

To his ‘Brother from another mother’ he was “Man-Child” ...

And in his professional life, he was “Tom Harmon” ...

On December 31, 1946, Thomas Everett Harmon IV was born to Thomas Everett Harmon III and Elsie Terry Harmon, in Newport News, Virginia. As told by Cousin Barbara, his first baby-sitter, now 92 years old, when he was born, on his mother's side of the family, there were only aunts and female cousins. He was the first male, and his great-grandfather was elated to have another male on his side. Not only that, but he was also born at a hospital, while everyone else had been born at home and delivered by a midwife. It was a true celebration, and he became “the man of the family”, which is why he was called “Man”.

He became the big brother to Clilan “Redd” and Linda. At an early age it was clear that he was a leader, was loyal and had commitment to community. He will be remembered as a role model, first for his siblings and family, then his peers in the east end neighborhood of Newport News.

An outstanding athlete, he excelled at sports. He was a top prospect as Right Fielder with a rifle arm and left-handed home-run power, so much so that in high school he was recruited to play in the adult shipyard league. As a basketball player his runs at the “little park” with his childhood friends were legendary. But football was his love. In his early years as a running back, his moves befuddled his opponents so much that it earned him the lifetime moniker “Tricky”, a name he took with him to exploits on the football field at Huntington High School. Tricky was involved. He was a lifeguard at Doris Miller Recreation Center. He initiated clubs and joined in the civic leadership of the graduating class of 1965, “The Greatest Class Alive”. Tricky stayed connected and was loved by all Vikings.

Tricky matriculated as one would expect, first attending Virginia Union University, where he played running back for the Panthers. Then attending Hampton Institute, now Hampton University where he obtained a degree in gerontology. Later, he earned a Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University; And a Masters in Public Administration from Golden State University. He was Certified in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. He demonstrated his commitment to greater causes, serving his country during the Vietnam War era, where he was stationed supply side in Korea, Texas, and finally at Langley Air Force Base, back to his beloved Tidewater home. He loved family. His mother was a guiding force in his life. He started his own family, marrying Janice Mae Graves and from that union begat one son, Thomas E. Harmon V. On November 24, 1990, he married Kathleen Patrice Carter Mothershed. As was his way, her daughters Tracy Kathleen and Cassandra Patrice, became his daughters. For his granddaughters, Minnae Patrice and Mahari Kathleen his love knew no bounds.

His professional career was equally boundless with achievements too numerous to list, but these are a few… he was awarded the keys to the cities of San Francisco and Hampton. He put his degrees to work joining AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service program designed to alleviate poverty, an offshoot of JFK’s Volunteers of America founded in 1965. He worked in numerous positions all over the country ranging from Birmingham, Richmond, and Washington D.C.

He was the Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region of AmeriCorps Vista. He retired as the Virginia State Director for the Corporation for National and Community Service. Tom and Kathy retired on the same day in 2008. His sense of duty to the community did not wane. He was an election judge, on the Board of Directors for Lafayette Federal Credit Union and Menchville House, which is a residential program for homeless families, “From Hurt to Hope”. He raised money for The Marching Elite, a renowned tidewater drill team; And prior to his unexpected passing he was excited and working diligently to ground source for Beauty in Unity in partnership with the Peninsula Community Foundation.

His capacity for service will continue to inspire. He mentored too many of our youth to name them all, but a few that remained close under his guiding hand include Sheryl Burrell, Jordyn Claremont, Deangelo Freeman Jr., Zoe Patrick, Shy’Lek, Nay’den, and Samuel. All his mentees held a special place in his heart. he took much pride their successes. He held family close to his heart. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Kathy; his son, Tommy; his daughters, Tracy, and Cassandra “Casey”; his granddaughters, Minnae and Mahari; his brother, Clilian “Redd” and sister-in-law, Horacetta; his sister, Linda; his nieces, Brandee and Davida; his nephews, Damon, David, Douglas, Terry “TJ”, Rodney and David “DJ”.

His legacy includes many friends, especially his dear friends, Cynthia Downs Taylor; his “brother from another mother”, Rev. Anderson W. Clary, Jr.; and his cousins, Elise Fincher (Virginia Beach) and Barbara Simons (Brooklyn, New York). There are many other family members and friends whom he loved and cared for deeply.

Tom died peacefully, and we believe he was ready because of the peace on his face. He was stretched out across the bed, watching the news and enjoying his afternoon snooze, with his beloved big dog, Titan, resting nearby.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” – Maya Angelou

We are touched and appreciate the outpouring of love and support. Continuing Tom’s commitment and in lieu of flowers and gifts, we ask that you consider supporting or volunteering to his beloved charities: Menchville House, Marching Elite, Foster Grandparents and Beauty in Unity in Partnership with Peninsula Community Foundation.

Visitation will be 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Queen Street Baptist Worship Center.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.