Thomas Dowell McAvoy, Jr., 84, a resident of Arnold, died suddenly at Anne Arundel Medical Center on January 10, 2009, due to an aortic aneurysm.

He was born on August 16, 1924 in Washington, D.C.,where he was raised.

Mr. McAvoy was a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, flying combat missions as a navigator in Europe. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a former member of A.S.M.E. and the Purchasing Association.

He was employed at various businesses in Redford, VA, Pensacola, FL, Baltimore, MD and Proctor and Gamble in Hunt Valley, from which he retired.

His interests were tennis, boating, books, and science.
He loved nature and his family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Simms McAvoy of Arnold, MD; two daughters, Dabney Simms McAvoy of New Hope, PA and Polly Elizabeth McAvoy of Baltimore, MD; one son, William Dowell McAvoy of Monkton, MD; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Gray McAvoy, Audrey Lane McAvoy, and William Campbell McAvoy; half brother, Douglas McAvoy of Ashland, VA; step sister, Barbara S. Davies of King George, VA; and cousin, Ann M. Krestensen of Bosman, MD.

There will be a Memorial Service held on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 2:30 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com