Birth date: Apr 4, 2001 Death date: Aug 21, 2020
Thomas Allan Unger, son of Steve and Lynette, brother of Andy (Emily), was a gift of God to his family and the world. His birth in Cherry Point, NC on April 4, 2001 was an exciting event which almost took his life and that of his Read Obituary
I had the pleasure of meeting Al several years ago, back in 2017. I came into contact with him thanks to Discord and the use of his online personality, Offtopic, while I was doing something similar. Viewing him as an interesting person in the beginning, our relationship slowly grew stronger over time.
By the year 2018, we were very close, and I felt the warmth of comfort every time I spoke to him. He was always a constant part of any friend group I was active in at the time, many of which I owned. Calling him Offtopic, Off, and then Thomas in the beginning of the time I knew him, I decided to call him "Al" as a joke upon learning his full name. It stuck really well, and eventually everyone in the various groups we hung out in started calling him that.
Many tender memories were crafted by laughs, hardships, and trust, and by the time 2019 rolled around there was no denying it: Al had become one of my favorite people to be around, and one of three best friends. For the last year that I knew him, and after bouncing around in several friend groups, Al, myself, and several others formed a server on Discord called "The Boys". The icon for the server was four of us (Al, Shane, Lucas, and myself) aligned in the position of a meme that was popular at the time. If I can, I'll post this icon of ours in the Photos & Videos tab. Each day I got to see him was like an incredible dream. He had such a dry and ironic sense of humor, and we laughed at so many things together that it'd be impossible to recount them all.
When Al left for boot camp, I enjoyed exchanging letters with him and seeing how he handled the challenge. I remember that the day before he left, we had a giant party in a game called Tower Unite, laughing the night away. His return brought tears to my eyes. His musical talent was something he always sold himself short on, but I loved how his mashups would make me laugh...and yet, they were impressively put together. He had such a knack for entertaining with unique content.
Even when he was initially diagnosed with cancer, even when he suffered the effects of it daily, he always told me he was going to beat it...that he was going to run this thing into the ground, and return to spend time with me once again. He meant it, too. He didn't leave this world without a fight, and I respect him so much for that. He wanted the four of us guys to meet up and have laughs together, to make memories; he wanted to do this with many people online, in fact. He was a compassionate soul who really did love connecting with people.
I may never get the chance to meet Thomas Allan Unger, but I swear that his existence will never be forgotten by me, and by those he touched. I had the pleasure of knowing one of the greatest people on this planet, maybe even in this universe. God bless the family that created him, cared for him, and raised him up, so that I might have the privilege of being his friend, and of loving him myself. I'll miss you forever, Al...and I pray that your family and friends will have the strength to carry on. I know it's what you would have wanted the most.
Thomas and his family were a part of our homeschool life during our kids' younger years. Thomas was full of fun and wit, and it was never a dull moment when Thomas was along on an outing. Thomas' kind and adventurous spirit will live on in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known him.
I was very sorry to hear that Thomas had passed from this life to the next, but glad to know of and See the evidence of his trust in Jesus. He was a Gentleman and a young man to be proud of. A true credit to his family. We will always think highly of him.
Yours Truly, Galen & Laura Denham
Thomas and his family were a part of our homeschool life during our kids' younger years. Thomas was always a whirlwind of energy and wit; it was never a dull moment when Thomas was along on an outing. We are blessed to have shared time with Thomas and to have felt his kind and joyous spirit. That spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who were lucky enough to have known Thomas.
----The Garbeil Family
I never met Thomas in person. I met him through his online persona Offtopic and befriended him over the course of a few years. Despite this, I felt like I really knew the guy. I shared a lot of good times with him and his presence is one that I'll never forget. I speak on behalf of myself and the rest of his online friends when I say that our hearts go out to the family during this time.
We continue to lift your family to the Lord with love and heartfelt prayers. The Allen family
I knew Thomas for only a short while as he was a member of my flight during BMT. He was a quiet yet intelligent man who would help people out no matter what it was. He was a great guy and will be missed
I did not know or ever meet this young man, but as a member of the 188th Wing it is always a blow when someone is lost. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young Airman.
