Thomas Wayne Beall, 84, passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 1, 2024 at his home in Cocoa, FL. Thomas was born in Pine Bluff, AR in1939.

Tom was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Tompkins Beall, daughter Ginger B. Donnelly, son-in-law Robert B. Donnelly, daughter Monica B. Sanchez, and his brother, John Beall of Memphis, TN, Nephew Andrew Beall and niece Georgia Puryear. His grandchildren, Claire Donnelly, John Thomas Donnelly, Alexander Sanchez and Savannah Sanchez will deeply miss their PopPop. Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Miriam Sybil Cooley Beall and his father, Elstner Deberry Beall of Wilson, AR.

After graduation from Wilson High School, Tom completed a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Tom became a devoted educator to his students. His career teaching chemistry span over 40 years in Brevard County FL schools. He taught organic chemistry and served as the Department Chairman of the Math/Science Division of Brevard Community College. He also worked in the Micro-Chemical Analysis Lab at NASA, Kennedy Space Center and consulted on various grants at Florida Institute of Technology and Holmes Medical. Tom received numerous awards from the American Chemical Society and proudly served on the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation Committees.

Tom enjoyed sailing and was recognized as the “Father of Small Boat Sailing” in Brevard County. He became certified as a Red Cross Sailing instructor in the 1970’s and taught sailing every summer for over 20 years. He also certified other instructors in sailing, canoeing, swimming and life guards. He twice served as Commodore of the Titusville Yacht and Sailing Club. He especially enjoyed sailing and racing his Fireball sailboats in regattas. He loved to hoist the spinnaker and fly across the beautiful waters of Indian River. Tom also loved snorkeling and scuba diving in many of the Florida springs and the Keys. Tom and Pat also enjoyed cruising and traveling together.

Dr. Tom, as he was known by his students, made an impact in the success of hundreds of students in the pre-med, pharmacy, veterinary and other medical fields. He was very proud when they formed Dr. Tom study groups at the various universities. He was also known as a Master MacGyver to his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and anyone who needed help. He could make or repair anything with improvised engineering skills and using any cobbled together resources readily available. He was loved and admired by many people.

A private celebration of life event will be held April 13, 2024 in Tom’s memory.