Thomas Ruffin Nowell
Thomas Ruffin Nowell, 81, of Lynchburg, took his final bow and made his exit from this stage of his life on Saturday, June 9, 2025.
Born on October 4, 1943, in Ashville, North Carolina, as a child of a military family, Tom lived in several states and several countries, before his family settled into their home in Dothan, Alabama. Tom proudly served his country in College ROTC and as a Captain in the U.S. Army serving a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Tom’s passion for the arts led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Theater from the University of Alabama. He began his teaching career in 1973 as a professor at Montevallo College in Alabama. Relocating to Lynchburg in 1977, he earned a second Master’s degree in Theater History from the University of Virginia and continued his career as a professor at Lynchburg College. Tom’s career spanned over 40 years, inspiring generations of students. Tom was an idea man, always thinking with a twinkle in eyes and that familiar grin on his face. Tom was a lifetime member of Apha Psi Omega Theater Honors Society, and was a past member of professional organizations, USITT (United Stated Institute of Theater Technology) and SETC (South Eastern Theater Conference).
Theater was at the heart of Tom’s life. A gifted artist both on and off the stage, he immersed himself in every aspect of production, from performance to technical design. He was especially known for his meticulous and innovative set and lighting designs which elevated each performance and revealed his deep attention to detail. Tom’s last set design input for A Streetcar Named Desire, was on June 5, 2025, at his home in a meeting with the director, Dr. William Kershner.
Tom was a consultant for community and academic theaters and was a valuable resource for theater start-ups, including Renaissance Theater (Rev. Alan Kim Webster - class of 1978 & the late Keith Tyree – class of 1980) and Wolfbane Productions (Dustin Williams - class of 2005) all of whom were Tom’s former students who sought his advice after they graduated. Tom was a founding member of Commerce Street Theater. Always striving for excellence, Tom was unwavering in his commitment to teaching and learning.
Tom’s enthusiasm and dedication to the craft were infectious, and his impact on the Lynchburg theater community was profound.
Outside of the theater, Tom had many hobbies and passions. Tom enjoyed travel, especially by train. He was an avid reader with a certain enthusiasm for James Patterson novels. He enjoyed NCIS and The Big Bang Theory which he said were a welcome example of good script writing. His favorite series was Oak Island with its mix of history and discovery. He enjoyed classic films, movies and television shows related to sports, history, and military themed movies that resonated with his own service background. Mornings were reserved for quiet reflection and coffee in the sunroom. After coffee and calmness, he would eagerly stay up to date on current political events, always including his own commentary.
Tom supported organizations including the National Park Foundation, several Veterans organizations, Compassion & Choices, Meals on Wheels, area Food Banks and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Tom enjoyed being outdoors and digging in the dirt, creating gardens and flower beds. As with his set designs, Tom paid close attention to details, color, and placement. He was a self-proclaimed “putterer” who enjoyed the process as he spent time in his garage and shop, working on projects to build, design and repurpose. Tom enjoyed relaxing on the patio and taking in all of nature that was around him, always quietly observing the “deer herd,” chipmunks, squirrels, birds and other creatures that would show up from time to time.
Tom was a devoted animal lover, whether caring for his cats or observing wildlife at home and during his travels. He was also a proud collector of stamps and coins, delighting in the stories and history behind each piece.
Football was another of Tom’s passions. During Football Season, he never missed a University of Alabama game where you could always find Tom cheering for his beloved Crimson Tide, especially for the Iron Bowl with Auburn - Roll Tide!
Tom is survived by Pamela, his wife of 26 years, his daughter Jessica Criscione (Kenzi) of Chester, New York, his brother, Dr. Richard Nowell (Susan) of St. Augustine, Florida and brother Dr. Michael Nowell (Beth) of Dothan, Alabama. Tom leaves behind a host of relatives, best friend, Mike DeGiorgio, an enormous theater family and his very spoiled “fur babies.” One of Tom and Pam’s fur babies, Bonnie, who shared a love of ice cream with Tom, joined Tom several days after he passed, with no doubt for both to be in a place of comfort together.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Flora Nowell and his eldest brother, Dr. William (Bill) Nowell.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held with family and friends on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Commerce Street Theater.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the individuals who provided care through Central Virginia Family Practice, Centra Pulmonary Associates, Centra Stroobants Cardiovascular Center, Centra Home Health, Lynchburg Veterans Administration Medical Clinic and for personally being there with support and care, Dr. Michael and Shannon Valentine and our chosen family, Mr. Dennis Ashworth, Mr. Daniel Ashworth and wife Jane, to our theater family of friends and neighbors, Amanda and Josh Karpen, Nikki and Laura Fey-Burgett, Nancy and Bill Kershner, Donald Morrison, Sherry and Tom Woodward and so many others who were always available to provide assistance and much appreciated company.
Dr. Michael and Shannon Valentine, and incredible friends and neighbors who were always available to provide assistance.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Tom’s honor and memory to the Commerce Street Theater, 1022 Commerce Street., Lynchburg, VA 24504.
Tom’s legacy will live on through the countless students he mentored, the productions he brought to life, and the many lives he touched through his love of theater and community.
