A doting granddad described as a “loving family man” and “one of Faversham’s greatest” has died at the age of 73.

Tom Wills was well-known throughout the town, having worked as a cleaner at Faversham Swimming Pool for 15 years, and helped care for dozens of children at his wife’s childminding business.

Remembered for his kindness and friendly nature, news of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief.

Tom, born in Northamptonshire as William Thomas Wills, was the youngest of eight children.

He met Yvonne while working at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury - Yvonne as a student nurse, Tom as a ward orderly on the burns unit - before relocating to Yvonne’s hometown of Faversham.

Marrying in 1972, the couple lived together in Plantation Road, where they raised their three boys.

“Tom was very much a family man,” said Yvonne. “He very much wanted to provide for his family, no matter what the job was.

“He was very loving, and very friendly to everybody. He would say hello to everyone.”

Tom worked a number of labouring jobs, before becoming a cleaner at Faversham Swimming Pools when its indoor pool opened in 1993.

He soon grew popular among staff and visitors, known for his kindness and willingness to help.

“He would help the older ladies if they had trouble with their lockers, would help find the mums with children big changing rooms,” said Yvonne.

After 15 years there, Tom left to become his wife’s assistant at her childminding business.

“His great delight was to be Father Christmas,” said Yvonne. “He’d be Father Christmas for our childminding parties, and did it at Ethelbert Road’s Christmas Fair for several years. One year he worked a season as Father Christmas at Ricemans in Canterbury. That was like his dream job.”

Tom also helped at First Faversham Scouts when his sons were young; received recognition for being a devoted blood donor; and in recent years become involved in supporting the Royal British Legion’s Faversham branch, in honour of his brother, who is an ex-serviceman, and his grandfather, who was killed in the First World War.

Tom’s health began deteriorating last year, as he suffered breathing difficulties due to lung fibrosis. In January his condition took a sudden decline, and he was taken to Margate's QEQM Hospital.

It was there that he sadly died several days later, on January 28, at the age of 73.

He leaves behind his wife Yvonne; his three sons, Matthew, David and Brian; and a grandchild, Nathan.

Yvonne says she is grateful she and Tom, who enjoyed many holidays together over the years, managed to share one last getaway together to Eastbourne in autumn; while each of their sons managed to visit Tom amid the past year’s restrictions.

News of his death has sparked hundreds of messages of grief and condolence on social media, from town residents who fondly remember him as “an old school gentleman”, “a lovely kind man”, and “one of Faversham’s greatest”.

Yvonne says she has been “dumbstruck” by the huge response, adding: “I’d like to thank everybody for all the support and messages.”

Tom’s funeral is due to take place on March 15. While attendance is limited due to coronavirus restrictions, those who wish to are invited to stand in Stone Street, between its junctions with South Road and Roman Road, at 3.15pm as the procession passes by.

“Tom wanted it to be a celebration of his life, so we’re not paying respects,” said Yvonne. “We’re waving farewell, or saying bye.”

At a later date, Tom’s ashes will be interred at St Catherine’s churchyard and a belated wake will be held.

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