Thomas Wayne Parsons, aka Tom or Tommy, passed away on June 12, 2026, in Salisbury, following complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Tom was born on Oct. 21, 1965, in Peoria, Illinois, but grew up on Delmarva. He was loving, courageous, and intelligent, and those who knew him will remember his quiet strength. He faced his illness with remarkable bravery, meeting each challenge with the same determination and grace that guided him throughout his life.

Tom graduated from Delmar High School in 1983. In November of that same year, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and served as an Avionics Instrument System Specialist for the AWACS aircraft. Tom carried the values of service and responsibility with him long after his military years ended.

Following his time in the Air Force, Tom worked at several Delmarva manufacturers. However, his true passion was working as an electrician, like his father Dick Parsons and his brother Tony Enfield; both were master electricians. Tom and Tony started their own electrical business in 2006. Tom later worked for Real HVAC Services as the Vice President for 14 years, until ALS made it impossible to continue to work. Tom was respected for his knowledge, professionalism, and steady presence. His colleagues knew him as someone who could be counted on, and his contributions left a lasting impression on the people who worked alongside him.

Tom was passionate about lifting weights, hiking, and maintaining his fitness. He shared this dedication to a healthy lifestyle with his wife Lisa. In fact, they were set up on their first date because of their shared enthusiasm for healthy living.

He also loved traveling with his wife and friends, particularly throughout Europe, where he appreciated history, new experiences, and the memories created along the way. He was also a long-time fan of the Washington Redskins. Hail to the Redskins!

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Schappell-Parsons (Kripaitis) of Salisbury; his daughter, Caroline Parsons of Salisbury; his son, Andrew Parsons of Seaford; his stepdaughter, Brittany Schappell of Vienna, Austria; and his stepson, Ethan Schappell of Salisbury. He is also survived by his mother, Sharon Parsons of Salisbury; sister Tammy Parsons of Westover, Md.; brother Anthony “Tony” Enfield of Salisbury; brother William “Billy” Parsons of Lexington, Oklahoma; Debbie Kinner of Berlin; Ellen Moore of California; and Linda Roberts of Salisbury,

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Dick” Parsons; brother Rick Parsons; and sister Juanita “Nita” Naugle.

Tom will be remembered for the love he gave, his sense of humor, his dedication to work and family, his service to his country, and the courage he showed. His legacy is one of strength, devotion, and quiet heroism, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Join us for a joyful, casual “Celebration of Life” event for Tom, to be held at Olympia Fitness Clubs, Salisbury, on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2-4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ALS research at ALS.org.