Thomas (Tom) Herman

Thomas “Tom” Martin Herman of Etowah, NC, passed on Sunday December 1, 2024, at the age of 68. Born August 20, 1956, in Boone, NC, to the late George Kenneth, Sr. and the late Reba Watson Herman. He attended Watagua High School, afterwards moving on to build a successful car detailing business and a home remodeling business in the Lake Norman area before settling in Asheville, NC, later moving to Etowah, NC, where he resided with his wife. He is preceded in death by his brother William “Van” Herman who was his best friend. They spent many hours talking, laughing, tinkering with motors, and listening to their bluegrass music to the wee hours of the morning inside their favorite place, Van’s garage where he kept many treasured vehicles, but there was one they shared a passion for, a 1970s Corvette Stingray. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debbie of Etowah, NC; daughters Brooke (Shawn) Hefner of Asheville, NC, Jennifer Dress (John) of Anchor Point, AK, and Heidi (Chris) Rankhorn of Roan Mountain, TN; sons Joshua Herman of Boone, NC, and Brandon (Jenny) Herman of Charlotte, NC; sister Vivian Woodard (J.C. Sweet) of Purlear, NC; brothers George Kenneth, Jr. (Linda) Herman of Boone, NC and Michael Herman of Vilas, NC; his treasured aunt, Betty-Jo Hollars of Boone, NC; grandsons Preston, Justin, and Evan Hefner of Asheville, NC, along with his other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dear to Tom were his nephews Obie and Tycho Woodard, nieces Jacqueline, and Ryan Woodard, and great-niece Sabrina Woodard. Blair Ashe, who was like a daughter to him and many who loved him and will forever hold onto his memory. He is predeceased by his dear mother-in-law Jerelene “Jerry” Tillman and father-in-law Henry Tillman of Ridgeland, SC and a brother-in-law Ricky Evans of Manatachie, MS. He also leaves behind his special sisters-in-law, Shirley (Cecil) Wimbs of Athens, GA, Marcia (Rick) Jackson of Seneca, SC and brother-in-law Bobby Evans (Shelby Indyk) of Rowland, NC; nephews and nieces, Allen Wimbs, Kevin Wimbs, Jason Hogsett, Amanda Denton, and Troy Wadsworth, Jr. Tom was a “Jack of all trades, and Master of all.” He would spend weekends repairing and building many things. He shared these skills with his daughter, Brooke or as he lovingly called her “Dork,” as a teen and then with her husband, Shawn who he claimed as his own. Summers were spent at the campground, where he would fish and spend time with his family and friends. His daughter, Brooke, recalls the times Tom and his wife would dance to the oldies in their camping kitchen; Well his “chicken pecking” dance. Even at home, Tom, Debbie, and Brooke would clear the living room and have dance parties. Brooke continues to do this with her husband, because of the love she witnessed between her parents as they swayed to the music. His grandsons were the light of his life. Everything he did was with them in mind. He spent countless hours devoted to them and doing things that they enjoyed. His oldest grandson, Preston, fell in love with their favorite pastime, fishing. Tom made it a mission to collect fishing rods that he would one day pass on. His middle grandson, Justin, shared many nights watching movies snuggled between his grandparents late into the night expecting his Papaw to serve him his snacks, which he did without hesitation. He would challenge his youngest grandson, Evan, or as he fondly called him “mouse,” on everything; it was their thing to always be in a competition while bantering back and forth telling each other “Imma buss you up.” He taught all three of them the craft of plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and homemade beef jerky. One of the family’s favorite vacations was in December of 2021 when Tom, Debbie, Brooke, Shawn, and their children spent a week at Santee State Park in SC. He took his grandsons and son-in-law on a catfishing excursion and had the best time watching them catch “monster cats.” and never letting Brooke live down her reaction to the armadillo that she swore was out to get her. Tom worked as the industrial manager at Bromley Plastics in Fletcher, NC, for 25 years, retiring in 2022 to spend time with his wife and family. It was at Bromley Plastics where he met his good friend, Ken. Tom was a husband, father, son, brother, mentor, friend, and loved by all. He will be missed terribly as he enriched the lives of all who knew him. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Highlands Cremation & Funeral Care in Arden, NC, with a service to follow.

Thomas (Tom) Herman

August 20, 1956 - December 1, 2024