Thomas “Tom” Emmett Trail, 78, passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, at his home in Radford.
Born and raised in Radford, he was a Bobcat football star and always attended home games.
He was retired from Lynchburg Foundry where he worked most of his life with stints as an independent contractor and a pattern maker.
After retirement, Tom enjoyed camping with friends and family, going to bluegrass festivals, exploring Radford history, and weekly coffee and conversation with the McDonald’s crew. Most of all, he enjoyed the simple things in life: sitting outside feeding the birds; listening to live bluegrass music; sharing stories and jokes with old friends; helping others with construction projects; Bobcat football games; going on drives all around the New River Valley; reading the Bible; serving his church, Carter Street Methodist; and spending time with loved ones.
He was devoted to his grandchildren, Jordan and Madison, whom he helped raise and who loved playing with and talking to their Pawpaw. His beloved wife, Mary, was his partner in all he did and always by his side.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jeannie Trail; brothers James, Jr., and Dan Trail; and sisters Eleanor Myers, Nancy Viers, Isabel Simpkins, Jeanette Dickerson, Frances Harris and Judy Sarver. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mary Jane Trail; a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas Jr. and Amy Trail; a daughter, Melissa Naff; grandchildren Jordan and Madison; a brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Lorraine Trail; a sister-in-law, Hattie Ethel Altizer Trail; special friends Kathy and Lauren Young; and many other relatives and friends.
Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Trail family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.