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Thomas Eugene McBride 79, who resided in Farmville, Virginia, died on May 25, 2020 at home.

Tom was born in Perry, Nobel County, Oklahoma to the late Cecil Eugene McBride and Thelma Louise (Arthur) McBride. Upon graduating from Perry High School, Tom entered the U. S. Marine Corps on July 24, 1959. He served as a Helicopter Mechanic, Instructor, and Maintenance Chief with various Marine Squadrons/Organizations. Retiring as a Master Sergeant in August 1983; having served 24 years of faithful service to our country.

He was an active member of The Farmville United Methodist Church, The Farmville Lions Club, and a Life Member of The Farmville Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 7059 and Vietnam Veteran’s Association. A member of American Legion Post 32, Piedmont Area Veteran’s Council, and USMC/Combat Helicopter Association, better known as “Pop-A-Smoke”. Tom was also actively involved with The Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps Association, The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and National Museum of the Marine Corps. Tom also sat on the board of the Speech, Hearing and Learning Services at Longwood University.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife “Betty”, their two daughters; Terry Jochum and her husband Mike of Chesapeake, Va.; Valarie Forbes and her husband Howard and one granddaughter Maranda Paige Forbes all of Elizabeth City NC; granddaughter, Kara Morgan Forbes Copley and husband KC and great grandson, Nash Copley of Chesapeake, VA.; one sister, Claudia Turpen and a niece, Deborah Marshall, both of Perry, Ok.

In lieu of flowers, Tom requested that memorial contributions be made to The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 998, Quantico, Va. 22134-0998; Web site: www.marinehertitage.org or the Farmville Lions Club. P.O. Box 128, Farmville, VA. 23901.