0005
Thomas C. Bone
Tomb Position
Commander of the Relief, Sergeant of the GuardTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
Master SergeantTomb Dates
Oct 1959 - Jul 1962Military Dates
Nov 1953 - Jan 1975Society Membership
Founding FatherHome City / State
SHERRILLS FORD, NCCurrent City / State
SHERRILLS FORD, NCObituary
Thomas “Tom” Carey Bone, 87, of Sherrills Ford, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at his residence.
He was born July 25,1935 in Gaston County to the late Joseph Orin Bone and Ethel McDonald Bone. Tom was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Sherrills Ford and was a United States Army veteran. He was a 1952 graduate of Belmont High School, a graduate of Gaston College, and joined the Army in November 1953. While in the Army, Tom spent time in Berlin as a Platoon Sergeant for the Recon Platoon and served in Vietnam as the Operations Sergeant for the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, and 4th Division. He served as Sergeant of the Guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and was a Life Founding Father Society Member of The Society of The Honor Guard, Tomb of The Unknown Soldier.
Throughout his service, Tom was awarded the following Army medals: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 oak leaf clusters), Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier Badge #5. After his retirement from the Army in 1975, he served as an Officer with United States Capitol Police for a short time before going to work at McGuire Nuclear Station in security until his final retirement in 1997.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Willard Bone (Blanch), Joe Bone (Alice), and Don Bone (Wanda); sisters, Virl Bone, Mazie Allen (Grady), Betty Bishop (Bob), and Carol Bone; and granddaughter, Jordan Bone.
Those left to cherish his memory are;
Wife of 25 years: Donna Prichard Bone of the home
Sons: Danny Bone and wife Kim of West Grove, PA
Justin Butler and wife Christie of Statesville
Daughters: Angie Ledford and husband Kenny of Belmont
Jodi Bone of Sherrills Ford
Grandchildren: Brian Bone and wife Lindsey, Tara Bone, Kylie Butler, and Gavin Butler
Great-Grandchildren: Jackson Bone, Olivia Bone, and Milana Bone
A service to celebrate Tom's life will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Sherrills Ford. Rev. Byron Alexander will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the Christian Life Center.
Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or to Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire and Rescue, 4011 Slanting Bridge Rd., Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
Memories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Division1st Battalion (Reinforced), 3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
Awards & Decorations
Bronze Star MedalArmy Commendation Medal (2 oak leaf clusters)
Army Good Conduct Medal (5 awards)
Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin)
Vietnam Service Medal
Combat Infantry Badge
Expert Infantry Badge
Tomb Guard Identification Badge
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The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
