Thomas Walter Hash

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness to share that Thomas (Tom) Walter Hash passed away peacefully October 20, 2023, with his family at his bedside. Tom was born November 15, 1940, in Marion, Virginia to Walter Abram Hash Jr. and Alma Cornett Hash. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 1965 and then later received a master’s degree from Georgia State University. After his retirement from working for the federal government, Tom combined two of his greatest passions – teaching others and history, particularly the Civil War. He worked as a substitute teacher for over a decade, winning the hearts of both students and staff members alike because of his garrulous nature, sharp wit and his uncanny ability to explain dense subject matter in ways that’d make it interesting and understandable. When he wasn’t sharing his love of history and teaching others, Tom spent lots of his time gardening, doing yardwork, fishing, and visiting his grandparents’ home and our creek and dam in the mountains in southwest Virginia. Tom also held a deep love for any and all animals, always treating every animal he met with profound kindness and gentleness. He passed this love for animals to all of his children, including his grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Cecilia Hatcher Hash, and his four children – Paige Hash Yost, Thomas Walter Hash II, Sarah Elizabeth Hash and Catherine Anna Hash. He is also survived by four grandchildren – Andrew Fielding Yost, Caroline Cecilia Yost, Sibley Elizabeth Hash and Thomas Walter Hash III – and two nephews – John Burris and Darrell Burris. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Burris, and his beloved childhood best friend, Rosemond Fields. The family will hold a private service in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia to honor him in his most treasured place.