Thomas John Dailey, age 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison, Alabama on Saturday May 8, 2021. He was surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Dayton, Ohio to Richard and Rosemary Dailey. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1974 and afterwards attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville where he received a degree in Management and Marketing. In 1990, he returned to UAH to obtain his MBA.
Tom’s working career started early in his life, beginning with a newspaper route in grade school. At Fred Sington’s Sporting Goods store, he worked hard to pay his way through college, eventually becoming store manager through 1986. Following his time there, Tom began working in construction as an estimator at Bobby Schrimsher and Son’s Construction. He went on to cofound Wayne’s Acoustical & Drywall. In 1990, Tom started as a facilities planner at Boeing, where he would work for the next 28 years. He contributed to many programs in his time at Boeing, ranging from the International Space Station to partnering with the Israeli Defense Ministry, including many trips to Tel Aviv.
Tom started playing ice hockey at the Ice Palace in the mid-60s when youth hockey first started in Huntsville. Hockey became an integral part of his life, culminating at UAH where he helped found the first club team and later led them to a national championship. He continued to cultivate the Huntsville hockey program through coaching and volunteering his time.
Tom loved the beach, good food, his family, and dogs. He was an avid reader and enjoyed travel. He was an excellent chef, an all-around repair man, and passionate gardener. He was always ready with a piece of advice, and kind word, or a helping hand. Tom was a loving father, husband, and friend. He was, in short, a good man.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie; father, Richard Dailey; siblings, Kathi (David) Morgan, Kim Jackley, and Jim (Laura) Dailey; children, Meghan (Lance) Murdock, Zach Dailey, Jennifer (Chris) North, and Aundrea Giebler; 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
