Tom Max Fiskus, of Toano, died Aug. 8, 2014, at the age of 79.
He was born March 30, 1935 in Cairo, Ga., son of the late Charles and Nellie Fiskus, where he was proudly raised before leaving in 1953 to embark on his career as an engineer at the Newport News Shipyard. He graduated from the Newport News Apprentice School in 1957 and East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s in engineering in 1963.
He had a 45-year career at the Newport News Shipyard working as an engineer primarily on submarines, including the Seawolf project. He lived with passion and by the Mae West quote, “you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
He loved all things southern, SEC football where the “big boys” play, Florida State football where he enjoyed a seeing a game nearly annually, Cairo High School football, NASCAR, Atlanta Braves, Georgia peaches, boiled peanuts, fried catfish and okra. But most of all he had passion for all the loved ones in his life, his family and friends, particularly his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.
Following his retirement in 1997 he took up golf and was quickly enamored. He particularly enjoyed his Tuesday morning golf group and playing with his children and grandchildren. He was a longtime member of Crooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Yorktown before moving to Toano and joining Stonehouse Presbyterian.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 55 years, Selwa; two sons, Chuck and Tom along with their wives, Vicky and Betsy; daughter, Lisa; sister, Ruth; his grandchildren, Bradley, Brett, Lauren and her husband, Kevin, Rachel, Nicole and Meredith; and many loving friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Bobby and Ray and sister, Rebecca.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, at Bucktrout of Williamsburg. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at noon Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, at Stonehouse Presbyterian.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg.
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