Thomas Walmsley Read, of Magnolia, DE, passed away December 17, 2017 at Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover, DE. He was 69.

He was born in Los Angeles, CA on November 22, 1948, the son of the late Clinton & Eileen Read.

He was a graduate of New Dorp High School, Staten Island, NY; Bowie State University Bowie, MD; and Catonsville Community College, Catonsville, MD.

Mr. Read was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was the recipient of numerous awards including: the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device; Vietnam Services Medal; Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster; 2 O/S Bars; Bronze Star Medal; and the Expert Badge Rifle M16.

Tom lived in various places throughout his life, including, DE, PA, VA, MD, NY, and CA.

He was employed by various companies through the years, including: Nextwave, Sicom, FasFax, PAR, Bathtique, I Natural Cosmetics, and Burger King.

Tom was an avid Giants and Yankees fan and enjoyed concerts, golf, movies, the beach, traveling, skiing and spending time with family and friends!

Tom will be remembered as one who was loving, caring, kind, generous, and had an overall zest for life. He always had a positive attitude and looked for the bright side in everything!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joan D. Read.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Read; children, Thomas Read; a daughter, Jennifer "Precious" Manner; Scott G. (Angela J.) Crum; Todd H. Crum; Deborah "Favorite" Crum; and Jill J. (J. David) Dement; and grandchildren, Briana L. Manner, Thomas C. Manner, Alexandria N. Manner, Logan C. Crum, L. Kate Crum, Hunter D. Dement, Aiden M. Dement, and Brady N. Dement; a brother, William (Nancy) Read and their children, Andrew Read, Bobby Read, and Steven Read; his aunt Jean and uncle Bob Winniett; a nephew, Guy (Amy) Pettigrew and children Luke Pettigrew and Ava Pettigrew; his cousins Robert Winniett Jr., and Lori Deschiens Winniett; his former spouse, Randy Read; John Nanni (his Best friend/brother of 40+ years); and his dog Milo.

A Military Service will be announced at a later date.

To sign the online guestbook, please click on the tab marked "sign guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.