Popular and well-respected community leader Thomas B. “TD” Dent has died
Thomas B. “TD” Dent, 69, of Westminster passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 25, 2020 of an apparent heart attack
Thoughts and prayers for Tommy Dent: I am sad at the loss of my childhood friend Tommy Dent who died suddenly this morning, Thursday, June 25, 2020, despite the valiant efforts of several medic crews from the Westminster Fire Dept. who looked after him and tried to save him until the very end. RESPECT.
The picture above is from a recent picture on May 16, 2020. Tommy was one of our neighbors at the Westminster Fire Department John Street fire station and we will miss him. I understand that flowers are already piling-up at the door to his shop at 26 Winter Street in downtown Westminster.
I just stopped to say hi yesterday – Wednesday June 24, 2020. The last thing I remember of my friend was that smile. I watched him wave goodbye in my side view mirror. Never in a million years did I think it would be the last time I would see him.
Tommy and I have been friends since very early in my childhood. I remember Tommy - and Doug Chandler as among my first friends… Tommy and I first met around 1959 at United Used Cars. We were both there to get candy from Pop Wilson. (Kevin Wilson’s grandfather.)
Tommy grew up on Ralph Street and I grew up several blocks away on Green Street behind Samios Food Market at the corner of Washington Road. Tommy and his Ford, Mark Causey and I spent a good bit of time together – especially during the years of Mark’s illness – and through participating in sports together at Westminster High School.
Tommy was a wonderful friend, a great leader and lived a life of grace. Tommy got it honest. His parents were wonderful and kind people. Tommy was extremely talented. He worked hard at his small business. Westminster is a much better place because of Tommy. He will be greatly missed.
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Thomas B. “TD” Dent, 69, of Westminster passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 25, 2020 of an apparent heart attack. TD was born on May 20, 1951 in Baltimore to the late Thomas Bernard Sr. and Pauline Loretta Brown Dent.
TD was a graduate of the Westminster High School class of 1970. In high school he stood-out as a student leader, a member of the student senate, a great singer, a member of the Key Club, the Varsity Letter Club, and a three-sport athlete. TD - number 32 - was co-captain of the football team, number 30 on the basketball team, and was a record-holder in track and field.
He was a standout singer and performer for high school music teacher Herb Sell. TD performed at Westminster High School with Jester Hairston, and Duke Ellington.
After high school, TD was employed by Black and Decker until it closed. At that time, he opened TOMMY D’S Detailing which he owned and operated for 34 years until his untimely death.
TD is survived by his niece, Krystal Tripp and her husband Kirk of Baltimore, his nephew Chucky Robinson of Westminster, his great-nieces and great-nephews and a host of cousins and friends. He also leaves his cherished friend Michelle Billings.
He attended Strawbridge United Methodist Church in New Windsor. Throughout his life, TD actively participated in various sports. He played football for the semi-pro football team, the Carroll County Chargers, and played on the Jets softball team in Carroll County.
TD was a valued lifetime friend of Dave Johansson and a bouncer for over 30 years at Johannsson’s restaurant in Westminster where he was known by many friends. He was also a fixture at Raphael’s.
He was a great neighbor of the Westminster Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1, and a faithful lifetime friend of the Wilson family at United Used Cars.
TD was a very popular, respected, and admired community and business leader. No one was a stranger to TD. He also always had a smile and kind word for everyone.
He was well-known, all his life, for his immaculate black Ford. He will greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, TD was predeceased by siblings Gerald Brown, Pamela Dent Graham, and Jennifer Dent Robinson.
Visitation will be held for TD on Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 4 to 8 pm at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster and on Friday, July 3rd from 11 am to 12 noon at which time his funeral service will begin. Social distancing measures, face covering, and a 50% capacity level will be in place at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Strawbridge United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family welcomes friends to join them for the service via video or telephone. We use Zoom for internet video and telephone conference calling. There is no charge for you to participate. Use the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.
Join from PC, Mac, iOS or android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4034588869
Join by telephone: Dial 1 301 715 8592 or 1 929 205 6099
and enter meeting number 403 458 8869
In lieu of flowers, donations to help defray funeral costs may be sent in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com
Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel
412 Washington Road
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 848-7533
www.prittsfuneralhome.com
https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/10219991565833058
Let us bow our heads and join in a short prayer.
O god of grace and glory, we remember before you today our brother Tommy Dent. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this very difficult time.
Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.
May memories of happy times sustain us, the support of family and friends comfort us, and may God's love embrace you and your family and bring you peace.
Rest in paradise my friend. See you again someday. God be merciful to your good soul.
Thinking of you as you find peace during your journey and sending strength to your family as they mourn. I pray that peace will be found for all.
No words can express how much this hurts.
Amen
(A shout out to Blaine Brown, Dale Fletcher, Nikki Heuer, Guy Garheart, and Debbie Soper O’Hara for reaching out to me at a difficult time… THX)
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+++ Dayhoff Westminster +++
Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.
