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.
Celebration of Life Details
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On December 7, 2025 we will gather to Celebrate Tom's Life.
Bring Mementos: There will be a Memory Capsule Box to collect mementos to be given to his son, Jake. If you wish to add a small item that reminds you of Tom and your relationship with him, please feel free to bring it and place it alongside the others as a symbol of your connection.
Add to Tom's Photo Gallery: A slideshow will be played from this collection of photos at the Celebration.
Click "Add a Photo →" button to add photos to the Photo Gallery.
Share Memories: Tom’s family will open by sharing cherished memories, and then we invite all who would like to contribute their own stories, laughter, and love in his honor. You may also share on The Memory Wall below.
Please RSVP: Go to the Celebration of Life Invitation below to RSVP.
Photo Gallery
Videos
Memory Wall
Thank you for having us at the lovely service. I know Tom thought it was kick a** lol.
Tom was a Friend sometimes mentor, Teammate,Brother.
I will miss him terribly and remember forever
Pat
He came to us twice a week with a heart full of love and patience. He approached each of these kids as the unique little people that they are and met them right where they were.
He was thoughtful, and wise and kind.
From history to poetry, the guy knew some stuff and he poured out his heart into us.
He helped them learn to read, and joined us on field trips. He tirelessly ran lines with them for a Christmas play at our church.
I could ramble on endlessly about the love he showed us – how he showed up to one of Sena’s gigs last month – the care he put into picking out Christmas books for each kid last year – how he showed up at birthday parties dressed in theme. Tom was the real deal.
We are back at the table this week, but it has not been easy. We are searching for a new rhythm – reluctantly – because the old familiar is etched in our soul.
Try as i might, there are no words to describe how much we will miss him.
kenny
God Bless You as you travel those streets of Gold.
Until we meet again ...
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.
Dang. I’m stunned. My prayers for friends and family. Sorry for rambling. I lost a good long distance friend. 🥲
Sincere condolences and prayers for your loving wife Mrs. Sherril Lilly and family.🙏
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.
Judi and Clyde Groves
High school, college, fraternity brother. Fair winds and following seas. Till we meet again on the other side.
Jimmy
Celebration of Life Invitation
7149 Lake Shore Dr, North Beach, MD
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