Thomas Ray Zook

Thomas Ray Zook “Tommie” gained his heavenly wings on April 5, 2021 at the age of 70 after battling ALS. He was born February 2, 1951 in Riverdale, Maryland. Tommie is the son of the late Ray Zook and Helen Rhoads.

Growing up, he attended Beltsville Elementary school where he was a Sergeant in the safety patrol. He attended Beltsville Junior High School and graduated from High Point High School in 1969. He enjoyed playing youth baseball, basketball, and football.

At the age of 13, Tommie began to work in a warehouse in Beltsville for a local Plumbing and Heating company. While working several jobs throughout his youth, he became a Volunteer Firefighter at the Beltsville Fire Station Company 31. He was a volunteer for 6 years before being hired by the Prince George’s County Fire Department in 1973. Tommie was promoted several times throughout his career. He began his career as a Technician and was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and then retired as Captain. Tommie retired from the Prince George’s County Fire Department after a total of 30 years of public service.

Tommie continued to give back to the community which he grew up in. He coached youth Baseball and Basketball for the Beltsville Boys and Girls Club. He later coached two years for the Junior Varsity Baseball team at High Point High School.

Tommie’s number one motto was “Family First”. He married his wife Susan in 1977. In March of 1979 he and Susan gave birth to their son Nicholas James. He enjoyed camping in the Outer Banks, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, going to the beach, and working in the yard but most of all he loved his family. He has two Grandchildren, Nicholas, and Zoey, who love their Pop Pop. He loved swimming in the pool with his grandchildren at the beach house and fishing at the pond, where he taught his grandson Nicholas how to fish.

Tommie has overcome many obstacles in his life. He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at the age of 58, diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 67, and then in August 2019 he was diagnosed with ALS. He was a real warrior and was a fighter and never gave up. Even with his ALS diagnosis he still put his family first.

At the age of 55, Tommie found another passion after a conversation with his son. He purchased a 2005 Harley Davidson Road King Special. His motorcycle was a part of the family that he loved oh so much. He would wake up early in the morning, drink his coffee, and shine every piece of metal on his bike. He would always talk about the one trip he took on his motorcycle to Daytona Beach Florida. He loved the feeling of the wind in his face and the freedom that he felt while riding his motorcycle. He always talked about taking another trip one day on his Harley. On April 5th, Tommie rode his Harley through the gates of Heaven finally feeling that sense of freedom that he had been longing for.

Tommie is survived by his loving wife; Susan Zook of 43 years and son Nicholas James Zook married to Tiffany Ann Zook, brothers; Frank Zook, Richard Zook (Tina), and his sister Marjorie Bang (Mike) and his two beautiful grandchildren Nicholas James Zook II and Zoey Ann Zook as well as nieces, nephews, sister-in laws and brother in-law. He was a devoted husband, father, and Pop Pop. He was the most thoughtful, caring, and compassionate man. He had a way about making everyone feel comfortable around him. He was simply the best at whatever he was doing. Tommie was the greatest husband, father, and Pop Pop!

Contributions in Tommie's name may be sent to the ALS Association DC/MD/VA Chapter at https://www.als.org/get-involved/ways-give or Hospice of the Chesapeake in Prince George's County at https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/