Thomas Lewis Davies engineered a beautiful life full of love and joy. Born on July 20, 1940, in Crowley, Louisiana. He signed off from his final mission on June 10, 2025.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Tom during his 84 years, among them: be prepared (the Boy Scout motto), always show up even when every step is challenging, appreciate the simple pleasures of life, be loyal in character, focus on your goals and chase them, be true to your word, have faith in the Lord, follow scripture’s teachings, and love fiercely with all of your heart.

Tom was born in the small rice farming community of Crowley, Louisiana. He was a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana – Lafayette) with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating second in his class; but perhaps the best thing to come out of his time at USL was meeting the love of his life, Betty Ann Clarkson, known to most as “Punkie” and affectionately called “Gracie” by him.

With his lifelong partner found, Tom set out to take on the world with his first job in Applied Research at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Florida which soon led to a dream fulfilled in a move to Houston to work at the newly established NASA/Manned Spacecraft Center (now Johnson Space Center). There he worked to develop cutting edge power generation and energy storage systems. He started during the Apollo program, helping to bring man to his first walk on the moon, coincidentally, on his birthday, July 20, 1969. He continued with the development and support of the Space Shuttle Fuel Cells and cryogenic storage systems through the retirement of the Shuttle program.

He was proud to serve in the Propulsion and Power Division for nearly four decades acting as Chief of the Power Branch in the last nine years.

In 1966, he was blessed to have another prayer answered with the birth of his first-born son, Christopher Kent. With the growth of their family, Tom and Punkie purchased their first home in League City, TX and found their forever church home at St. Christopher Episcopal Church where they have been devoted parishioners for 58 years, with Tom serving in various capacities including four terms as Senior Warden. In 1971, Tom and Punkie welcomed their second son, NASA protégé, Timothy Bryan, into their universe. In that same year Tom earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston. In 1973, their next endeavor brought Thomas Matthew into the world and their family was complete.

Tommy’s proudest achievement was raising his 3 boys, coaching them in sports, leading them through Boy Scouts, and always being present to celebrate their accomplishments. Their greatest memories were when they hit the road and traveled with their sweet boys all over the country, from trips to Louisiana and Colorado and to numerous Boy Scout camps! Tommy and Punkie visited all 49 states in the North American continent! They also enjoyed traveling overseas and spending time with his family in Wales.

Tommy demonstrated commitment through every phase of his life: earning the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth, he then earned the St. George Award and the Soaring Eagle Award, serving as Scouting Coordinator between the Church and Troop 609 for 37 years. After retiring from NASA, he actively served League City and Galveston County Offices of Emergency Management until the last few weeks of his life.

He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren by sharing nature with them in personalized campouts and getaways designed to celebrate each of their unique passions.

His memory lives on through his adoring wife of 61 years, Betty Ann; his 3 children, Christopher Kent (wife Kathryn), Timothy Bryan (wife Kathleen), and Thomas Matthew. Forever cherished and remembered by his 5 grandchildren, Reid Garrett (wife Bonnie and great grandson Colby Daniel), Cameron Alexander (wife Samantha and soon to be welcomed baby girl, Margo Jane), Bennett Hamilton, Anne Elizabeth, Jack Treston, and beloved niece, Suraiya Ayesha Lema (husband Raul, and children Evan, Audrey, Soraya, and Apollo).

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Melba Eliza Spell and Thomas Lewis Davies, and his sister, Sara Faye Lyons.

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, 2508 St. Christopher Avenue, League City, TX 77573, with the Rev. Brian Cannaday officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation, National Park Foundation, St. Christopher Episcopal Church, or St. Christopher Scout Troop 609 (Bay Area Council).

Tommy was an incredible Dad and Papa that forever changed the trajectory of our lives. We will miss his twinkly blue eyes and how it felt when he told us how much he loved us, which he did at every opportunity.

A true pioneer of space exploration, he reached for the stars and inspired others to do the same. Godspeed, Tom Davies!