Thomas McLean Waters, known to most simply as Tommy, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 74. A lifelong Floridian, Tommy was born and raised in Tampa and later made his home in Brandon, where he built a life defined by hard work, loyalty, humor, and a generosity that left a mark on everyone he met.

Tommy was a man who lived fully and gave freely. Before anything else, he was kind—truly kind in a way that can’t be taught. He would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation, not because it was expected, but because that’s just who he was. He never met a stranger. Whether you knew him for five minutes or fifty years, Tommy could strike up a conversation, tell a story, and have you laughing like you’d known him your whole life.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam. That chapter of his life spoke to his strength and resilience, but like many things with Tommy, he carried it quietly—never needing recognition, just doing what needed to be done. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Dorothy “Dodie,” have been married for 54 years. Together, they built a family and a life grounded in commitment and love. Tommy went on to dedicate over 30 years of his career to GTE, later Verizon, working as a field technician and in Central Office Engineering. He took pride in his work, but even more in the life it supported.

Tommy was a devoted father to his daughters, Sherri (born in 1975) and Karen (born in 1977), and a proud grandfather to Owen, Niki, Anthony, and Yanisia—who each carry a piece of his spirit forward.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy “Dodie”; his daughters, Sherri and Karen; his grandchildren; his mother, Paulette Waters; his brother Micheal and sister-in-law, Tina; his brother, David; and his sister, Mary. He was preceded in death by his brother John and his sister-in-law April.

To know Tommy was to know laughter. He was a legendary prankster, always ready with a joke or a story that would leave you in tears from laughing so hard. He had a way of lighting up a room without even trying. His sense of humor wasn’t just about jokes—it was about making people feel good, easing tension, and reminding everyone not to take life too seriously. Outside of his work and family, Tommy found joy in the things he loved most—fishing, hot rods, and Harleys. He had a gift with his hands, able to restore and rebuild, bringing worn and forgotten things back to life and into their original beauty. That same care and attention he gave to machines, he gave to people.

More than anything, Tommy will be remembered for how he made people feel—welcomed, valued, and understood. His kindness, generosity, and humor weren’t just traits; they were the foundation of his life and the legacy he leaves behind. Though our hearts are heavy, we carry forward the stories, the laughter, and the lessons he gave so freely. Tommy’s presence was a gift, and his memory will continue to guide and comfort those who knew and loved him.