Thomas Earl Land

Thomas Earl Land of Kannapolis, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on November 21, 1934, in High Point, NC, Tom was the son of Lester Talmadge Land and Sallie Smith Land. One of ten children, he was raised in a home where camaraderie and competition thrived. The Land brothers, known for their spirited play on local ballfields and courts — one even rising to professional baseball in the late ’40s and ’50s — shared a bond forged through athletics that deeply shaped Tom’s life.

A gifted athlete himself, Tom played baseball and soccer in college and maintained a lifelong devotion to sports. After beginning his college career at the University of North Carolina, he transferred to East Carolina University in search of more athletic opportunity — and found something even greater: June Miller, who would become the love of his life. Married in 1958, Tom and June shared 63 adventure-filled years, mostly enjoying sunny destinations.

Tom proudly served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s before being honorably discharged to help address a national teacher shortage. With a mathematics degree and a gift for mentorship, he began teaching at Winecoff School — where a young Dale Earnhardt once sat in his classroom. Eventually, Tom left teaching for the business world and enjoyed a successful career in sales for many years.

A sportsman at heart, Tom remained active throughout his life, jogging, playing tennis, and his passion, playing golf - walking the course and carrying his own clubs well into his later years, living out his motto: “Always Keep Moving". He continued walking his daily 2 1/2 mile laps until a few months ago. He was a longtime member of the Kannapolis Country Club and the Club at Irish Creek, where he perfected his smooth swing and enjoyed many years of tournament play.

Tom is survived by his son, Patrick Land (Kate) of Charlotte and daughter, Julie Land Lyons (Marc) of Raleigh. He was a loving grandfather to Mary McKinley Lyons, Elizabeth Pressly Lyons, Alden Andrews Land, and Angus MacRae Land. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Marion Land Kelley of Wayzata, Minnesota. Known affectionately as “Uncle Tommy” to 27 nieces and nephews, he was always ready with a story, a joke or sports stat.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June, and many of his cherished siblings. Tom’s legacy will endure in every family gathering.

The family will receive friends from 1-2pm on Thursday, June 19th at Memorial Baptist Church. The funeral will begin immediately after the visitation with burial to follow.