Paul Thomas Breakfield III passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of eighty-five, surrounded by his family at his home in Rockledge, Florida.

Born on September 19, 1940, in Nashville, Tennessee, Tom was the son of Paul T. Breakfield Jr. and Katie Hunt Breakfield. He was baptized by his father in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1952. He graduated from Boone High School in Orlando, FL in 1958. In 1962, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Math, Physics, and Bible from Lipscomb University and married the love of his life, Lois Moreland, that same year.

Tom began his professional career in civil, mechanical, and structural engineering before joining NASA in 1964, where he served faithfully for 35 years. During his distinguished career, he held numerous leadership roles, including Deputy Director of Shuttle Engineering and Director of Payload Flight Operations. He retired in 1999 as Director of Safety and Mission Assurance.

At Rockledge Church of Christ, Tom faithfully served as an Elder and provided oversight to the Missions, Outreach and In-Reach, Administration, and Facilities ministries. His steady leadership and servant’s heart deeply impacted his church family and community.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois Breakfield; his parents, Paul Breakfield Jr. and Katie Breakfield; and his in-laws, Jim and Mae Moreland.

He is survived by his son, Tom Breakfield IV and wife Jaime; his son, Robert Breakfield and wife Sara; his cherished grandchildren, Quinn, Samantha, and Raegan Breakfield; his sister, Sandra Harrell; and his sister-in-law, Judy Moreland.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21st from 11:00am to Noon at Rockledge Church of Christ. A Memorial Service will follow from Noon to 1:00pm. Family and friends are warmly invited to join the family for a luncheon immediately following the Memorial Service.