Thomas Jefferson Awkward, Jr. was born on April 10, 1952 in Lexington Park, Maryland to Theodoris Elizabeth Awkward of Lexington Park, Maryland and the late Thomas Jefferson Awkward, Sr. of Afton, Virginia.

He attended elementary and high school in Lexington Park, Maryland. He also attended and graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating he worked for several companies outside of Baltimore, but his love of marine vessels bought him back to Baltimore, Maryland for employment. Thomas retired as a Ships Engine Maintenance Technician due to a leg injury. His health continued to deteriorate over the years.

Thomas loved everything outdoors especially gardening. He also loved to read and play brain teaser games. He had an infectious smile, a big heart and a passion for cooking that he experimented with on the family. Most of all he loved and spoiled his nieces and nephews. They were his world and they wrapped him around any and all of their fingers.

He rededicated his life to Jesus Christ at the Corpus Christie Catholic Church in Baltimore, Maryland. His deeds will shine as the stars of heaven on the hearts of all who met him.

On Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, Thomas Jefferson Awkward, Jr. passed from this life to life eternal.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, George Awkward.

Thomas leaves to rejoice his home going, one son, Allen Gray of Charlottesville, Virginia; his mother, Mrs. Theodoris Awkward of Lexington Park, Maryland; three sisters, Paula Reed (John) of Hollywood, Maryland, Vivian Mills (John) of California, Maryland, Jacqueline Johnson (Lowell) of Lexington Park, Maryland; four brothers, David Awkward (Diane) of Baltimore, Maryland, Joseph Awkward (Charlethia) of Lusby, Maryland, Roger Awkward (Mary) of Lexington Park, Maryland and Raymond Awkward (Daisy) of North Carolina. Thomas also leaves to grieve many nieces and nephews and two very special friends, Mr. Perry Winchester and Ms. Grace Thornton of Baltimore, Maryland and many others whose lives he touched.

Dearest Brother: Political debates and National Geographic will never be the same.

His Viewing and Mass of Christian Burial were held on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lexington Park, Maryland.

Arrangements, were entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A. Indian Head, Maryland.