Thomas Patrick Hailey

RALEIGH - The world lost a true original on Sunday, June 29, 2025, when Thomas Patrick Hailey, 52, passed away unexpectedly.

He was born in Burke County, the son of Claude T. Hailey and Harriet McCallum Hailey. He proved early on that intelligence, sarcasm, and an encyclopedic knowledge of obscure metal and punk bands could indeed coexist in one mortal being. Tom graduated from Hibriten High School in Lenoir. He earned a BS in Entomology at NC State and got his Masters in Library Science from UNC Chapel Hill. While at NC State, Tom moonlighted as a DJ at WKNC, where he curated Friday nights full of metal mayhem.

Tom moved to Philadelphia to work at Relapse Records as a Swiss Army Knife (because he had the tools to do any job). Upon his return to Raleigh in 2002, he started at Whole Foods on Wade Avenue in the specialty department, which he would grow to love as he became a constant fixture on the team for the next 23 years. Tom's love for the finer things in life, along with his very intentional way of working, kept him quite happy, and he grew to be one of the most consistent and reliable people that had ever been on the team.

Tom was incredibly smart and well read. He had a passion for the justice of all living creatures and was a deeply committed conversationalist. Anyone lucky enough to chat with him always had a good laugh or left with a richer view of the world. Tom had an unapologetic love for tacos, football, music, veganism, traveling the world with his wife, and staying home with his pets. Tom had many friend groups from all stages of his life: college, Relapse Records, the metal music scene, and his beloved Whole Foods family.

Tom could be hilariously dry and was everyone's favorite curmudgeon, but ultimately he was a beautiful, sensitive soul. Wherever he is, he's enjoying Grammy's green beans and vegan mac and cheese, surrounded by Harry, his magic Boston terrier, and all those family members who passed before him.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Claude T. Hailey.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Cathy Zimmerman; mother, Harriet McCallum Hines and husband Sonny of Lenoir; brother, Charles Hailey and wife, Christine of Shelby; nephew and niece, Eli and Clara; close cousin Leslie Ferrell, and a host of cousins and extended family. He also leaves behind a gang of furry roommates: Lady the dog, and cats Ruby, Harvey, Eddie, Alex, and his fuzzy soulmate, Curby.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourages memorial contributions in Tom's memory to the Clover Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 829, Stuart, VA 24171 or @clovercatrescue on Venmo. Additionally, you can donate to the SPCA of Raleigh. Please include in the memo line of your donation, "IMO Thomas Hailey."

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at https://www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com/.