Thomas A. Wash, MD

Class Year

1955

Affiliation

Alumni

Posted on: August 26, 2022

Thomas Atwood Wash died peacefully at home on July 5, 2022. He was 93 years old. Tom was born in Richmond, Virginia on April 11, 1929 to Dr. Atwood Melville Wash and Esther Lednum Wash. He graduated from Woodbery Forest School, Washington and Lee University, and the University of Virginia School of Medicine where he specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Tom has been an active member of the Newport News community since moving there in 1962. He was devoted to both his family and his profession and most widely known as a caring, compassionate physician who delivered thousands of babies prior to his retirement in 1994. After retiring from practicing medicine, he was appointed by three Governors to serve on the Virginia Board of Medicine from 1986-1996 also serving as President in 1994. Prior to moving to Newport News, he served as a Medical Officer in the United States Air Force as a physician.

Tom’s involvement in medical organizations and societies over the years were numerous including: President, Medial Staff Riverside Hospital; Chairman, Department of OB/GYN Riverside Hospital; President of Newport News Medical Society; Member, American Medical Association; Diplomat, American Board of OB/GYN; Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; President, Virginia OB/GYN Society; Member, South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; President of Southeastern Obstetrical and Gynecological Society; Alumni Advisory Committee, University of Virginia Medical School and the Peninsula Planned Parenthood.

He also served on boards of numerous community organizations including the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, Trustee Emeritus at Hampton Roads Academy, Board of Directors of James River Country Club, Regional Board of NationsBank, Member of Warwick Rotary Club and the Vestry at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. He was a member of the Country Club of Virginia where he was part of the Mulligan golf group.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Atwood and Esther Wash, his wife of 49 years and the mother of his children, Betty Scott Yancy Wash and his granddaughter Alisa Atwood Wash. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Jacqueline Good Legg Wash, and his children: Thomas Atwood Wash, Jr. and wife Elizabeth, Burbridge Scott Wash, Stuart Lednum Wash and wife Denise, and Molly Wash and three grandchildren, Anastasia Elise Wash, Samuel Williams Wash, and John Thomas Wash. He embraced Jackie’s children and their families during his second marriage and enjoyed spending time with them throughout their years together.

Tom loved socializing with family and his many dear friends and entertaining them at his homes, at Wintergreen and on annual trips to Sanibel. He was a loyal friend and consummate gentleman and above all loved and cared for his family. He had a keen sense of humor and his hobbies included tennis, skiing, golf, traveling, reading and immersing himself in history and genealogy. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends and all whose lives he touched.

The family is grateful for the dedication and compassionate care provided to Tom over the past few months by Annette, Barbara, Joanne and Florence.