Thomas "Tom" Burks Knox, 61, passed away December 12, 2017. He was born in Richmond, Virginia to the late Thomas Bayly and Bettie Anne Knox. He retired as a professional portrait photographer, and was a member of Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church in Suffolk. Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Shirley L. Knox; son and daughter-in-law, Eric N. and Carrie Knox; grandchild, Emmett R. Knox; brothers and sisters-in- law, Marshall B. and Marie Knox, James L. and Susan Knox, Franklin M. and Kristie Knox; and father-in-law, Harold J. Lankford. Tom was predeceased by his son John T. Knox.

Tom graduated from Suffolk High School (SHS) in 1974. He played JV Football and was on the golf team. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, he became a professional school portrait photographer. His honest caring and genuine approach to his work gave parents portraits that deserved to be treasured and his inventive nature helped him make improvements to processes that were adopted company-wide. Through hard work and dedication, because his help and talents were needed, Tom took on additional roles in management. He established a large and loyal group of client/educators who remained with him as their photographer and friend through the years and decades.

Early in his adult life, Tom started a family with his permanent love, Shirley Lankford Knox. As hard as he worked professionally, he worked even harder as a father and husband. For his children, he was role model, mentor and friend that was always there to cheer them on, provide for them and encourage them. For his wife, he was a faithful, loving husband that was always there to love, support and care for her in sickness and in health.

Tom was a most sincere and deeply caring person. Tom was talented, embraced change and was learning something new all of his life. He became amazingly able and competent at everything he tried. The world has lost a truly fine, loving and creative man.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. at Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church, 3488 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk, VA  23434 with Rev. Dr. Ruffin Alphin officiating. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com .