Thomas Wray Kidd, 82, peacefully left this earth on Thursday, April 23, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away at home, per his wishes, with his loving wife, Dianne Shearin Kidd and niece, Shannon Kidd Santos by his side. He was preceded in death by his father, William Kidd; his mother, Audrey Kidd; his younger brother, Michael Kidd; his nephew, William Kidd, Jr.; his niece, Lisa Kidd; his father-in-law, Wallace Shearin; and mother-in-law, Livvie Shearin.

Many knew him from his younger years as “Wray” but most knew him as Tom.

Thomas Wray was born on March 21, 1944 on his family farm in Seaboard, NC to the late William Stephen Kidd and Audrey Hasty Kidd. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1962. Thomas Wray married Dianne Shearin on March 27, 1964. Leaving his home town, he moved to Newport News to work at the Naval Shipyard. He was a certified welder that worked on many submarines and also the world’s first nuclear power aircraft carrier.

After a few years, he and Dianne moved to High Point, NC where he started working at Gilbarco as a welder and then was promoted to transportation manager. While working full time, Thomas Wray put himself through school at Guilford Technical Community College where he graduated with a business degree. After receiving his business degree, he then became the founder and co-owner of Global Logistics, a trucking and brokerage company.

He was a devoted and loving husband to Dianne as they just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. They loved to travel, go to restaurants, and of course hit the casinos. You would mostly find them with their traveling duo, Marvin and Carolyn Garrett. When Thomas Wray wasn’t working or traveling, you could often find him on the golf course with his golfing buddy of 40 years, Ed McAdams. You could even find Thomas Wray on one of the many traveling golf trips with his younger brother, Mike Kidd. Thomas Wray had many hobbies and stayed busy; the only time you could find him inside is when it was time to go to bed. He loved working in his yard, taking care and feeding all the stray animals that showed up to the house and making sure that everything outside looked like perfection. He took pride in his natural area that he had created in his backyard. He became instant friends with many people in his lifetime; but some of his chosen family lived right beside him, Rick and Valerie (daughter-Lauren) Tolbert.

Thomas Wray is survived by his wife, Dianne Kidd; his brother, William Kidd (Carol) of Seaboard, NC; his sister-in-law, Dorothy White of Mebane, NC; his niece, Shannon Santos (Mike) of Mebane, NC; his nephews, Kevin Kidd (Jan) of Fuquay Varina, NC, Chris Kidd of Greenville, NC, Michael Shearin (Jan), and niece, Carol Hahn (Richard)… and several great nephews, Dylan, Greyson, Cameron, and Jackson. Last but not least… we cannot forget his loving and dedicated Great Pyrenees, Gracie, numerous outdoor cats, and his buddy the raccoon.

Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Thomas Wray's life and memory. Visitation will be held at Askew Funeral Services, Roanoke Rapids Chapel, 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870 on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM followed by a service at 2:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Cedarwood Cemetary in Roanoke Rapids following the service.

Flowers may be received at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services of Roanoke Rapids or in lieu of flowers Thomas Wray loved all animals, so donations may be made to the Animal Protection Society or your local pet shelter.