Thomas Russell Sunderland

Thomas Russell Sunderland loving father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 89 on October 15, 2025.

He was the loving son of the late William Russell Sunderland and the late Bessie Lee Sunderland, born November 9, 1935 in Commodore, Pennsylvania. Thomas was a Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army. He enjoyed his work as a security alarm system installer for many devoted years with Scotland Security until retiring. Thomas was an avid sports fan, who loved supporting the Scotland High School football and baseball teams and was considered a super fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team. He also enjoyed going fishing and watching NASCAR racing. Thomas will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by grandson, Tommy Sunderland; sisters, Catherine Snow and Sis Leamer; daughter-in-law, Cindy Sunderland; and son-in-law, Leroy Smith. 

Thomas is survived by his sons, Russell Sunderland (Renee) of Marston, Thomas Sunderland of McColl, SC; daughters, Marilyn “Pumpkin” S. Chavis of Laurel Hill, Janice Whight (Ben) of Raeford; brothers, Bill Sunderland and Bob Sunderland both of Mahafffey, PA; sisters, Judy Stewart (Kurt) of Pennsylvania, Linda Hester of Utah, Janet Irvin (Dave), Nancy DeYoung, Evelyn Slonaker (Sonny), Shirley Sunderland, and Mary Pennington all of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Paige Smith Haywood, Lee Smith, William Sunderland, Morgan Sunderland, Stephen Sunderland, Phillip Graham, Roger Sunderland, and Michael Haines; fifteen adored great-grandchildren; best friend and caretaker, Terry Watts; and mother of his children, Betty Sunderland; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in Laurinburg Memorial Park. 

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