McCarthy Jr., Thomas J.

Prominent Pulaski attorney, Colonel Thomas J. McCarthy Jr., of Draper, Pulaski County, died on the November 1, 2015 at his home in Draper’s Valley. Born November 24, 1943, in Pulaski, Tom was the only child of Thomas J. McCarthy Sr. and Jane Osborne McCarthy. The McCarthys owned various hotels, including the Maple Shade Inn in Pulaski. McCarthy Sr. was also President of the Peoples National Bank and Vice Mayor of Pulaski.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jennifer Kirby McCarth; and his stepdaughter, Susan and her husband, Cecil Phillips, and stepgranddaughters, Kennedy Grace and Madison Shaffer, of Amherst County, and by his brother-in-law, Russell W. and Gail Kirby, Riner. Tom is also survived by Jim and Sharon Kelly, and cousins, Jane and Dwight Dunbar of Galax, Frank Hale and Beverly Osborne of Oak Island, North Carolina, Virginia Osborne Carrey of Bradenton, Florida, Tim and Marilyn Osborne of Virginia Beach, Betty Osborne Kelly of Virginia Beach, and Don Osborne of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, and special companions, Jag, Tilt and Fred.

Tom was a longtime partner in the Pulaski law firm of Gilmer, Sadler, Ingram, Sutherland and Hutton. Tom was a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, and attended Washington & Lee University where he earned a B.A. degree in economics and went on to attend the University of Virginia where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. After practicing in the areas of corporate, estate, and domestic law, the focus of his practice became governmental law when he was appointed as attorney for Pulaski County, the Industrial Development Authority of Pulaski County, the Pulaski County Public Service Authority and the Pulaski County School Board. He served Pulaski County with distinction and dedication for thirty years. He also served as one of Pulaski County’s Commissioner of Accounts for over 20 years.

Tom was a lifetime member of Christ Episcopal Church, Pulaski, where he served for many years on the Vestry.In 1970, Tom joined the United States Army Reserves and retired with the rank of Colonel. He graduated from the United States Army War College in 1992. He was appointed as Judge Advocate General Advisor to the Office of the Chief, Army Reserves, serving at the Pentagon from 1993 to his retirement from the Reserves in 1997. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Professionally, Tom served as President of the Pulaski County Bar Association and the 27th Judicial Circuit Bar Association, as well as Secretary of the 9th District Professional Ethics Committee of the Virginia State Bar. In 1983, he was appointed an Administrative Hearing Officer of the Supreme Court of Virginia, serving for 30 years. He was a Fellow in the Virginia Bar Association Foundation. He also served as President of the Virginia School Board Association Council of School Attorneys.

Tom was a dedicated advocate for Pulaski County, serving as President of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and the Pulaski Rotary Club and was longtime secretary of the Pulaski Science Club. A champion for New River Community College, Tom served on the College Board for five terms, serving as Chair of the Board, as well as Chair of the New River Community College Foundation Board. He was instrumental in the funding of various scholarships at the New River Community College and at Washington & Lee University.

Tom will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Special thanks to Jamie Thompson, Katrina Bryant, and Good Samaritan Hospice.

Visitation will be at Stevens Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2015. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at Christ Episcopal Church in Pulaski, Virginia. Burial will follow at the Southwest Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia with the Pulaski VFW Post #1184 conducting the military graveside rites. The family will welcome friends at a luncheon reception at the Pulaski Country Club following the service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom’s memory may be made to New River Valley Community College Educational Foundation at 5251 College Drive, Dublin, Virginia, 24084, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, VA.