Thomas Shaw

Thomas Randall Shaw, 79, of Albemarle passed from this mortal life on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Atrium Cabarrus Hospital in Concord, NC after a brief illness.

Tom was born on December 29, 1944, in Mecklenburg County, NC, to the late Gilbert Stebbins Shaw and Helen Mary Tracy Shaw. He was one of eight children born into the busy Shaw household—the fifth of seven boys. Tom grew up in the Charlotte area, graduating from Garinger High School in 1963.

From an early age, Tom had a passion for cars, speed, and racing. He had funny cars and dragsters—including a rail car he named the “Screaming Eagle.” Stories have it that as a youth he was known to have “borrowed” his parents’ cars on occasion for drag racing. Tom’s also enjoyed motorcycles. His bike trips with good friends and family took him from Alaska to Sturgis to Key West, and countless points in between. Tom did everything in a BIG way. It’s doubtful that much remained on his bucket list.

As was said of his father, Tom “never met a stranger.” He loved talking with people. He was quick to engage in conversation with anyone he met –being able to learn and remember personal details shared by those he met. This knack for connecting with people served Tom well throughout his sales career in various businesses/industries. Tom made new friends everywhere, but his best stories were those of old friends from his past.

Tom was a faithful member of the Albemarle Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as the secretary of the Adult Sunday School. Friends in the Albemarle area did not have to know Tom for very long before hearing his quiet, but confident testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tom is survived by his three children-- Randy Shaw (April), Tim Shaw (Leigh), and Nicole Shaw—as well as two grandchildren, Grant Shaw and Peyton Restrepo (J.P.). Also surviving are five brothers-- Donald Shaw (Peggy), Douglas Shaw (Elena), Paul Shaw (Louise), David Shaw and Richard Shaw (Carolyn); one sister, Barbara Hansen (Kenn), and one half-sister, Marilyn Carlson. Tom was predeceased by one brother, Gilbert Shaw, Jr., and two half-sisters,  Alta Streeter and Emilie Ruth DeAngelo. Tom will be missed by numerous friends, nieces and nephews-- and by his special neighbor and friend, Betty Montrosse.

A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Albemarle later this summer. Friends and family will be notified as plans are completed.

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