FOLTZ, THOMAS E. of Clarkston, passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 10, 2026, at 70 years of age. Loving husband of Nancy (née Shipley) for 44 years; dear father of Jake (Rebecca) Foltz, Matthew Foltz, and Louis Foltz; proud grandfather of Chase, Levi, and Zoey; brother of Mitch (Judye) and Joe (Teri) Foltz.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, to Milton H. and Amanda (née Scheile) Foltz, Tom graduated from Waterford Kettering High School in 1973. He genuinely enjoyed his high school years, especially the friendships he made and his love of wrestling.

He was good enough on the mat to earn a college scholarship, but life had another plan for Tom. He started working in rough carpentry and later started his own successful business, Old Oaks Carpentry, framing custom homes throughout northern Oakland County.

He loved his Harley Road King and travelled many miles, including trips throughout Arizona, Colorado and through the Smokey Mountains with Nancy and their close friends, Gary and Cindy Bauer.

Tom loved music. He had an extensive play list and was always adding to it, his little speaker clipped to his jeans.

His workshop was one of his favorite places to be, creating all kinds of projects with wood. When he wasn't in the workshop, he could often be found landscaping and gardening or climbing extremely tall trees to trim branches on a rickety ladder. lol

He enjoyed traveling, bicycling, hiking, kayaking and new adventures with Nancy.

Then came pickleball. Tom didn't merely discover pickleball, He became a pickleball fanatic. Once he found something he enjoyed, he went all in, and pickleball was no exception. What may have started as a casual activity quickly became another pursuit to master.

It was such a blessing, as he made many wonderful new friends.

Tom also had a special appreciation for old friendships. As he got older, he began reflecting on his high school days and decided it was time to reconnect with the people who had shared those years with him. True to Tom's style, he didn't necessarily make a formal appointment first—he sometimes surprised old friends by simply showing up. Those unexpected reunions eventually led to a wonderful tradition, with a group of his longtime friends getting together every couple months. Tom treasured those gatherings and the chance to pick up friendships that had been paused, but never really forgotten.

Tom had a witty sense of humor, although he was not necessarily the easiest audience. Making Tom laugh was an accomplishment. A genuine, hearty laugh from Tom was something you had to earn, and those who managed it knew they had done something special. But while Tom might have been a tough customer when it came to laughing, he certainly enjoyed making other people laugh. His dry wit, quick humor, and perfectly timed comments kept the people around him entertained.

Tom was a man who deeply loved his family. Nancy was his wife and partner for 44 years, and together they built a life filled with work, laughter, adventures, projects, and memories. His sons and grandchildren were a source of tremendous pride and joy, and he loved being part of their lives.

Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, his ability to build just about anything, his Harley rides, his pickleball obsession, his love of adventure, his unexpected visits to old friends, and, of course, that elusive laugh. He left his print everywhere.

He leaves behind a family who will miss him terribly, friends who will never forget him, and enough stories to keep them laughing for years to come. And somewhere, we suspect, Tom is already looking around, figuring out how to improve something, wondering what new skill he can learn—and probably checking to see if there happens to be a pickleball court nearby. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.