Thomas William Abrams, age 78, of Watha passed from his long and happy earthly life to his eternal rest on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter.

He was born on September 3, 1932 in Pender County, the son of the late George Thomas Abrams and Anna Costin Abrams. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Lula Eakins and Geneva McIntyre.

Tommy is survived by his sisters, Addie Norris of Garland, Lucy Wood of Watha, Emmer Casteen of Rocky Point and many nieces and nephews.

He was a long time member of Shiloh Baptist Church. Tommy was instrumental in establishing Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department where he was a charter member and remained active in the fire department for many years. He was a retired Pender County farmer and was also retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Tommy loved his family dearly and was a wonderful uncle and brother. He was a man of integrity, quiet in manner and humble in spirit. Enjoying all of God's bountiful nature, Tommy loved deer hunting as long as his health permitted and he especially loved caring for his cats and dogs. His steadfast faith in the Lord always prevailed first and foremost in his life. Cherished memories of Thomas will always remain in our hearts.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am Monday, July 25, 2011 at Shiloh Baptist Church with The Rev. Jimmy Johnson and The Rev. Stephen Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow in Eakins Family Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Chris Eakins, Larry Eakins, Preston Casteen, Charles Casteen, Franklin Gurganious and Charles Lee.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw and at other times will be at the home of his sister, Lucy Wood.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Tommy memorial gifts amy be given to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.