Thomas Rexford Biggs, Jr (“Tom”), 70, of Orlando, Florida passed away at home on August 25, 2021.
Tom was born April 27, 1951 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He traveled throughout his childhood and called many places home. He attended Virginia Tech and went on to have a highly successful and awarded career as a Professional Engineer, master planner and designer in transportation. Throughout his career, Tom served as a mentor to countless professionals through his willingness to share his intellect and low-keyed style of practice. He wrapped up his career as a Master Planner Principal with Walt Disney Imagineering and left his mark across Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney Springs, as well as numerous projects in Florida and internationally. While educated as an architect, Tom was one a very few number of professionals to become a certified professional engineer without studying engineering in college. His design skills, artistic abilities, coupled with his engineering foundations put his concepts and designs second to none.
In his spare time, Tom was an excellent banjo player, historian and collector. He also had a love for photography, sailing, fly fishing, travel and cooking. Tom’s legacy lives on within every person who has had the opportunity to share a lovely dinner and intriguing story with him.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Rexford Biggs and Alynn Jane Biggs, and by his sister Debroah Littlefield. Tom leaves behind his three children, Thomas Matthew Biggs (Jennifer), Kate Milton (Jason), and John Biggs; three grandchildren, Thomas Alexander Biggs, Wyatt Milton and Caroline Milton and his beloved dog, Earl.
A graveside service is planned for September 17, 2021 at 10:00am. Services will be held Glen Haven Cemetery (2300 Temple Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789). The family will plan a celebration of life following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS organization in his honor, in an effort for the ongoing quest to find a cure for ALS. https://www.als.org/donate
Becky Osborne says
Prayers and love for the family for this great loss.
Tracy Krane says
When I get to heaven
I’m gonna shake God’s hand
Thank Him for more blessings than one man can stand
Then I’m gonna get a guitar
And start a rock-n-roll band
Check into a swell hotel
Ain’t the afterlife grand?
And then I’m gonna get a cocktail
Vodka and ginger ale
Yeah, I’m gonna smoke a cigarette that’s nine miles long
I’m gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl
‘Cause this old man is goin’ to town
– John Prine
We will all miss you Tom. May your spirit live on in peace and in our hearts. 💕
Sandra Lee says
Jim and I were saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. Jim and Tom worked closely for years as friends and partners. Tom’s comforting words and calm nature helped Jim during many stress work related issues. I remember the time I went “sailing” with Tom. We had fun and Tom let me steer the boat often. Driving home from our day outing we listened to Click and Clack radio show with much laughter.
I can only imagine how difficult these last few years have been with the progression of ALS and Covid restrictions.
May all of you receive God’s grace during this time of grief.
Blessings to your family,
Sandy and Jim Lee
Jenny Combs says
I worked with Tom for several years in San Francisco and the news of his passing spread quickly amoung our group of collegues. Tom meant so much to so many and he will be missed. I am very sorry for your loss.
George Collier - Richmond VA says
I knew Tom as Terry (a combination of Tom and Rexford?) from college at VA TECH architecture in the early 70’s, then in later years re-establishing our friendship.
Many memories from school, doing music, working on VW’s (very popular back then) and occasionally finishing and turning in a project for design lab.
Later, trips to Florida to visit, Clik and Clak on Saturday mornings, egg & cheese biscuits at McD’s – on the way to see Jimmy Fee or take the boat out. Later shooting pool in the evening with little buckets of Rolling Rock.
We also shared a love of photography and music – he the banjo, me the guitar, though he was better at his chosen ax.
I’ll miss him often, and remain enjoying the red drink he concocted, every Friday night (tonight included). Go In Peace, my friend.
Carlos A. Pacheco says
I had the privilege of being part of “Tom’s” health care team. He was a brilliant man who loved his job, enjoy travel along with good food and wine. He handle his terminal disease with courage. I know he will be miss by us and I know he has left his footprint in many places around the world. My condolences to his family and closest friends.
Dr. Carlos A. Pacheco and office staff