Obituary for Dewitt "Tom" Thomas Rule, Jr.
Dewitt Thomas Rule, Jr., 75, of Norfolk, VA passed away on January 22, 2023. Affectionately known by friends and family as 'Tom' he was born in Metuchen, NJ in 1947. Survived by brothers Jon (Robin) Rule and Jeff Rule and five nieces and nephews.
At just 19 years old Tom joined the United States Army where he completed infantry and airborne training. He was deployed to Vietnam shortly after. While serving in Vietnam with Company C, 3d Battalion (Airborne) 503d Infantry, Specialist Four Rule was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with "VI' Device for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Upon his return, Tom lovingly cared for his beloved mother Marion Rule as she battled cancer. Tom went on to become a pilot, adventurer, passionate gardener and talented auctioneer. He was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor. He was often the host and life of the party, Tom was a loyal friend, always willing to help out a friend or neighbor in need. He will be remembered and missed by his friends and community in Ghent, the place he loved and called home.
A graveside memorial will be held on February 8, 2023, two o'clock in the afternoon at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Horton Wreath Society supporting the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Cemetery.
At just 19 years old Tom joined the United States Army where he completed infantry and airborne training. He was deployed to Vietnam shortly after. While serving in Vietnam with Company C, 3d Battalion (Airborne) 503d Infantry, Specialist Four Rule was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with "VI' Device for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Upon his return, Tom lovingly cared for his beloved mother Marion Rule as she battled cancer. Tom went on to become a pilot, adventurer, passionate gardener and talented auctioneer. He was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor. He was often the host and life of the party, Tom was a loyal friend, always willing to help out a friend or neighbor in need. He will be remembered and missed by his friends and community in Ghent, the place he loved and called home.
A graveside memorial will be held on February 8, 2023, two o'clock in the afternoon at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Horton Wreath Society supporting the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Cemetery.