Thomas Robert Waddell

LTC Thomas Robert Waddell, PhD. USA Retired age 77, left forever his Jupiter “Planation and Grove” on July 23, 2022, when he died at St Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his family following a traumatic brain injury. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Polonus Waddell, and their daughter Sarah Waddell and son Jacob Waddell; his brother James Seabrook Waddell (Terrie) and sister Marie Reeder (Dave) and numerous nieces, nephews, in laws and other family members. He was born in Florence, South Carolina on 7 May 1945 where his father was assigned as an Army Air Corp flight instructor at the end of World War II. Tom was predeceased by his father Judge Thomas R Waddell and his mother Nellie Marie Frisbee Waddell of Melbourne Florida. Tom was a proud Florida gator, graduating from the University of Florida with his PhD in Clinical Psychology. He joined the US Army and was assigned to Frankfurt, Germany. In 1975 he married Kathleen an Army dietitian and pursued unheard of activities for a Florida boy such as mountain hiking, downhill skiing and driving and sliding on ice and snow. Tom was known for his compassion, generosity and caring for the soldiers and clients. He continuously heard from former patients that valued his expertise and help. When at Walter Reed in the late 70’s he learned the skills of a neuropsychologist and continued to develop and utilize those skills throughout his military and civilian career. During Tom’s military career he was assigned as the Director of Training for Army Psychologists at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and later at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX. Tom was hesitant about the Director assignment and role, thinking it would limit his direct clinical work with patients. In a kind condolence note, his former boss attributed Tom’s initial reluctance to his humble belief that someone would be better suited for the position. Yet Tom exceeded expectations and his success reassured Tom that he was indeed the right man for the job. As a result, he positively impacted many psychology interns, professionals, and clients throughout his career. Tom retired from the military and moved to Jupiter where he started his private clinical psychology practice. He enjoyed during his free time to scuba dive, kayak, travel, and garden in his “plantation and grove”. He also compiled and shared music of all genres and biked in the community wearing his helmet and yellow safety vest. Later in his career he did forensic evaluations for the court, of which he was most proud. Because of his early experience in a court room with his father, he was comfortable, competent, and confident of his evaluations and was highly regarded by prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges. Generosity spilled out of Tom in the form of sharing his produce, jams, orchids, and his music and book collections. Tom was so proud of his children Sarah and Jacob, whom he loved traveling with and seeing them positively impact on our environment and the lives of others. Tom will be greatly missed by his wife and children and all those whose life he touched. He will be interred at the South Florida National Cemetery on September 12, 2022, at 9:30 am and a celebration of life will follow at the Jupiter Civic Center at 1 pm until 5 pm. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice, or The River Fund, 11155 Roseland Road #16, Sebastian, FL 32958.

Thomas Robert Waddell

May 7, 1945 - July 23, 2022