Thomas Earl Wines

Obituary

Thomas Earl “Tom” Wines, 73, of North Beach, Maryland, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 20, 2025, in his home on 4012 5th Street. A devoted husband, father, brother, educator, and friend, Tom will be remembered for his big laugh, bigger heart, and unfailing readiness to help anyone who needed a hand.

Born on December 1, 1951, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Tom was the son of Ruth and Robert Wines. He built a distinguished, 42-year career in public education, where he believed every student deserved patience, encouragement, and a fair chance. Retirement never dulled his calling to teach; most recently, he delighted in helping homeschool the grandchildren of dear friends, bringing the same energy and care to their lessons that he offered generations of students.  

A resident of the quaint bayside town of North Beach for much of his life, Tom built a legacy not only through his career, but also through the bonds he forged within the community. Tom had a flair for the stage and first experimented with acting in his teens. He treasured his time with the Twin Beach Players, where he reconnected with theatre in the latter decades of his life. His roles as a thespian and dedication to his craft were a source of pride and joy to his friends, family, and community.  

Tom had a passion for history, which he approached with deep respect and limitless curiosity. This was most evident in his fascination with antique weaponry. He was a member of both the North-South Skirmish Association and the Maryland Arms Collectors Association, where he took part in competitive shooting and antique arms dealing, respectively. His love of history was inspiring, and his craftsmanship shone in his work as a skilled collector, builder, researcher, and restorer of historical pieces.


Among Tom’s favorite places was New Orleans, LA, which held a special spot in his heart for vacations and good times. He loved New Orleans for its mischievous spirit and its musical soul. He also regularly visited Berkley Springs, West Virginia with friends, family, or for quiet reflection alone. He would stay in a small, A-frame cabin, on a quiet, forested hill. It was a place where he would laugh, create, indulge, and commune in silence with something larger than himself.

Tom is remembered for his gregarious, fun-loving spirit and willingness to help others at every turn. His devotion to family and friends was unwavering, and he touched the lives of all he encountered in profound and meaningful ways. Tom’s passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him, yet his spirit endures, encouraging all to live life with generosity and kindness. He was a man of his word with a heart of gold.


Those who will always honor his memory include his beloved wife of 20 years, Sherril Lilly; his sons, Jacob Wines (with his wife, Jenna, and their daughter, Elara) and Matthew Wines; his step-daughter, Tonya Bryant (with her husband, Mike, and their children, Julia, Alexandra, and Ashton); his sisters, Mary Stuart and Barbara McCullough (with her husband, David); and the mother of his two sons, Michelle Wines. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Robert Wines. He is also lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.


A Celebration of Life in Tom’s memory will be held on December 7, 2025, at Herrington Harbour South, 7149 Lake Shore Dr, North Beach, MD, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. If you plan to attend, please RSVP below.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wounded Warriors Project or World Central Kitchen will be deeply appreciated. Tom’s legacy will live on in his family, his friends, and all those whose lives he brightened with his kindness, humor, and generosity.

Message

Tom decided several years ago to donate his body to science.  Therefore, a Celebration of Life will be held in lieu of the traditional funeral.  His celebration will be held on December 7, 2025. More details and RSVP below.
Instead of flowers, Tom hoped for donations to two of his favorite charities, the World Central Kitchen at donate.wck.org  or The Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. 

Please share your memories on his Memory Wall and check back often to participate in the colaboration. All are welcome!

Gallery

Memory Wall

September 27, 2025

My sincerest condolences to Sherril, Jake, and Matt. He was my best friend for 69 years. He was a man of many hats. Large in life and will leave a large void in all of our lives. What a long strange trip it's been. Godspeed my friend and brother.

James D Taylor

September 27, 2025

Tom was an outstanding mentor to me, and a friend. I have long been inspired my his devotion to you, Sherril, and his students/education. He had a strong positive impact on countless people. It's a legacy to be proud of. May your memories of Tom be a comfort.. My heart is with you.

Kelly Canavan

September 27, 2025

I met Tom thru Sheryill Lily. Tom was easy to like when meeting him the first time. I am shocked to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and to his many friends. May his memory be for a blessing (peace).

Sheldon Polun

September 25, 2025

RIP brother! You were one of the best guys I knew. Glad we were able to keep in touch and have the occasional get together. (Like in the attached picture you were so thoughtful to give me in a frame). You will be missed but not forgotten.
kenny

Kenny Cooper

September 25, 2025

Although we just recently reconnected, I will always remember your laughter and your cigars, growing up together and spending time in your parents back yard. Sweet memories, my friend.
God Bless You as you travel those streets of Gold.
Until we meet again ...

Sarah Linsley Melcher

September 25, 2025

To my life-long Friend, Tom:
So brief a lease, so short a span,
For one as good as any man.
Two weeks he followed on your heel,
Then broke the bond and left you kneel.
The season turns, the leaves descend,
A shadow falls on me, my friend.
No more we'll walk the country lane,
Or share a jest through sun and rain.
Your part is done, the game is played,
And in the silent earth you're laid.
But still your memory lights the air,
A whispered truth, a silent prayer.

Kevin Grote

September 25, 2025

Awww. This is so sad. I met him about 15 years ago through an ad for items I traveled all over to purchase. I filled up my truck with treasures. And he told me and my wife about his favorite seafood restaurant (Jerry’s) that I have continued to visit. We tried to meet but didn’t make it often enough. I met him and his brother in law at a restaurant in Cleveland “Sokolovski’s” and we visited before they closed. I enjoyed his company and we both laughed and wished we lived closer to each other. It seems I would talk to him frequently because we would pick each other’s brain about something we had bought. I’ll miss those talks.
Dang. I’m stunned. My prayers for friends and family. Sorry for rambling. I lost a good long distance friend. 🥲

Rick Kalich

September 25, 2025

Incredibly shocked and saddened by this news. Dear Mr. Tom, you will truly be missed sir. You and your wife were such big supporters of my Bbq, you were particularly fond of my ribs and smoked cheese lol it was an honor to gain the approval of such a big fan of Bbq. I pray your family is at peace at this time and celebrating memories, your amazing spirit and truly charming charismatic personality. I'll always remember the first time we met out on the front lawn, you followed your nose to buy some Bbq ribs. Lol
Sincere condolences and prayers for your loving wife Mrs. Sherril Lilly and family.🙏

Chris Mayne

September 25, 2025

As much as this one hurts there's so much I could say about my friend Tom, he was a such a great guy and I'm so glad I had the pleasure of meeting him. His love for antique firearms and the endless knowledge he knew about it amazed me, Im going to miss our conversations about any and everything and as he would would call it "stupid questions" lol. He made such a impact on my life without even realizing it and Im really going to miss him, he would leave just about every conversation we had same "ok young man hug those babies and kiss that beautiful wife". Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers

Jason McNeal

September 25, 2025

Over several beers I convinced Tom that he needed to return to the stage. Something he had not done since college. I needed a W. C. Fields type to play the doctor in Neil Simon's "FOOLS" and Tom was the perfect fit. After that he never looked back. I think both his and mines' favorite was The Chief in "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest". But his biggest performance came as The Monster in Mark Scharf's "Frankenstein". He approached the character with full optimism and an assured ability that he could take on the role. But the kicker was the make-up designed to be a covering that went over his face and produced "The Monster"; and there it was: Frankenstein. And Tom was magnificent.. Tearing the stage with a persona that went from frightening madness to intellectual development, seizing the audience by the throat and giving a memorable performance. I tear up remembering how dedicated he was. Tom was an actor! It was a great friendship and I will never forget him. Tom was there as a friend when needed and he will always be in my heart. Goodbye my friend. Get the ovation and step back from the curtain as it closes.

Sid Curl

September 25, 2025

My over twenty-year friendship with Tom was rooted in our love of theater. As I reflect on it, I see art imitating life as well as the reverse.
In 2013 we played opposite each other in The Sunshine Boys as aging comedians. Easy to see the connection there.
For many years I was fixated on directing a wonderful little play, Nights at the Round Table. Tom desperately wanted to play the part of Marlon Monroe, an irascible, charming, politically passionate lover of strong spirits and close friends. Do I need to state the obvious?
In the course of the play, Marlon encounters two eight year old girls and offers to provide much needed child care and in doing so schools them on politics, history and life in general. This is now where life begins to imitate art. After the run of the play, Tom generously offers to help my wife and daughter homeschool those two very same girls and several of their cousins. For over two years he brought his considerable expertise in education and wonderful personality to our home and made a profound difference in all our lives.
As I understand it, Tom left us because his heart gave out. That doesn't surprise me as he gave so much of it to others.

Jeff Larsen

September 25, 2025

I am so sad to read this about the loss of Thomas Earl Wines he was my HS work study’s teacher at Potomac High School and my mentor! He taught  me a lot and was a great motivator for me to do my very best and taught me to never say I can’t do it. I could go on and on he will be dearly missed by all that knew him. Rip Thomas you will be dearly missed 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼😥🌹 

Harry L Zagami

September 24, 2025

We will truly miss Tom’s beautiful personality and gentle spirit. He was the best neighbor and friend anyone could ask for. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sherril and friends.
Judi and Clyde Groves

Judi Groves

September 24, 2025

My sister and I just recently met Tom at a friends birthday party. He was telling someone about a former student, which happened to be our late brother. I believe that things happen for a reason and we were meant to hear him talk about our brother and the shenanigans that happened at our alma mater Friendly High School. Godspeed Tom and our prayers to all his family and friends.

Monika Barilla

September 24, 2025

I have no words that express my feelings of loss, friendship, love. Salute to a life lived to the fullest. I'll be seeing you Tom. Lamont.

Scott Lynch

September 24, 2025

My friend,
High school, college, fraternity brother. Fair winds and following seas. Till we meet again on the other side.

Capt. Paul Soltis

September 24, 2025

I am so thankful that I had a chance to get to know Tom over the last 2-3 years. It was a privilege learning from him and sharing a love for collecting historical weaponry. Most of all, I so enjoyed our conversations and building our friendship. I will miss you buddy! Thank you for your wisdom and friendship. God bless you and your family Tom.
Jimmy

Jimmy Dick

September 24, 2025

I bid you a peaceful journey, my friend. My Friendly high school teacher, my wrestling coach, my brother’s coach at Potomac, I had just reunited with him at one of my shows. SO sudden! My condolences to this wonderful guy.

Mark Arcusa

September 24, 2025

Oh how I will miss my friend Tom. I cherish our work together on projects at PGCPS. You were so talented and your ideas were responsible for many of our successes

Delores h brown

Celebration of Life

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