Obituary of Thomas Locke Gough

Thomas “Tommy” Locke Gough III passed away August 25th, 2023, at CMC Atrium from a pulmonary embolism surrounded by family and friends. Tommy was born June 10th, 1975, in Silver Spring, MD and grew up in Columbia, MD where he attended Altholon High School. After receiving a BA from Dickinson College in 1997 he became director of camping programs at Camp Friendship, an overnight camp for children fighting cancer and their siblings. He worked there for twenty-five years and served on the board of the Carol Jean Cancer Foundation, the camp’s sponsor, since 1990. He moved to Charlotte in 2000 and earned a Masters in both Arts, Teaching and Science, from Pfeiffer University before joining the staff at Selwyn Elementary School where he was an Exceptional Children’s teacher for twelve years. Tommy loved his school and the children that he taught. He thrived at doing what he was meant to do. He had the gift of patience and compassion and a unique talent for connecting with his students. Tommy held many titles, but his favorites was that of father and husband. He was devoted to his kids and was always there for them whether it was studying for an economics test, traveling with numerous sports teams, a boys-only golf vacation with his son Hawk or passionately supporting Gracynn’s dream of becoming a collegiate athlete. As a husband, he adored his wife, Molly. The devotion they had for one another created a home filled with unconditional love and happiness. He relished family beach vacations (where he ruled at bocce ball), weekends spent up and down the east coast supporting his children’s various travel teams, and often said there was no place else he would rather be then watching them play. He loved walks with Molly and the dogs and always enjoyed entertaining a house full of family and friends. Tommy loved the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills and was one of the best tailgaters you have ever met. At six-six, he was a gentle giant with a sharp wit with a selfless soul that brought out the best in others. He is survived by his wife of twenty years, Molly, and his son Hawkins “Hawk” and daughter Gracynn. In addition, he is survived by his mother, Beverly Gough (Ed Griffith), father, Thomas Locke Gough Jr. (Judy), an aunt, Elaine Eiserer and uncle, Leonard Eiserer (Pat Lemay). He was preceded in death by an aunt, Carol Eiserer. The family will receive visitors on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 2 pm. to 4 pm. and 6 pm. to 8 pm. at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Covenant Presbyterian Church 1000 E. Morehead St with a reception to follow. Condolences can be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.