Thomas Garland Thompson

Thomas Garland Thompson, or “Big Tommy” to his family, was many things–a father, a husband, a grandfather, a Marine, a Tennessee Volunteers fan, a storyteller–the list goes on. He passed away peacefully in Oak Ridge, TN on October 1, 2024. He was 95. Tommy was born in Knoxville, TN on September 4, 1929. He was a lifelong Tennessee Volunteers fan, enrolling at the University to study journalism. He wore his orange-and-white checkered overalls every Saturday to cheer on the Vols, preferably from his boat on the Tennessee River as a member of the Vol Navy. He loved the lakes of East Tennessee and boating was his favorite pastime. Tommy was a proud father to Gary Thompson of Charlotte, NC, Janice Thompson Coleman(Brian) of Wilmington, NC, Bill Thompson(Cindy Adams), of Knoxville and his stepdaughter Stephanie Kent Sigman(Patrick) Salt Lake City. Life was always entertaining for his kids–Tommy had a penchant for showing up at parent’s weekend in an orange leisure suit or telling tall tales to all their friends. If ever someone could be described as the life of the party, it was Tommy–a trophy-winning Jitterbug Champion. He was preceded in death by his wives, Betty Brown Thompson and Sara Phillips Thompson, and parents Garland Linfield and Margaret Astley Thompson. It was from his grandkids he got the name Big Tommy, and throughout the years he made a point to attend graduations, weddings and sports events, always keeping up with their lives and careers. He will be missed by Brad Thompson(Jenny) of Raleigh, NC, Emily Thompson Corey(Matt) of Charlotte, NC, Mark Thompson(Sarah) of Greenville, NC, Katie Coleman Beard(Greg) of Liberty, NC, Mary-Hanley Coleman of Raleigh, NC, and Placey Ann Thompson of Knoxville. Tommy was a Marine and he was incredibly proud of his years of service. He was part of the guard for President Harry Truman’s “Winter White House” in Key West, Florida. Later, as a member of the Marine Corps Reserves, Thompson was called on to serve during the Korean War. Despite the cold and the combat, he described the Marines as “the best thing I ever did, and even with all that, I’d do it again.” After the Marines, Tommy returned to Knoxville and followed his father’s footsteps, working at the Knoxville News Sentinel before pivoting to advertising and later starting Logical Video Systems. He was active in his community recreational leagues, working as a referee for high school football and basketball games and coaching Little League sports in Knoxville. In his retirement, he moved to Chattanooga with wife Sara. The family will receive friends 5-6:30 PM Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church, 414 W Vine Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, with service to follow. A graveside service will be held 1:30 PM Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Chattanooga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Thomas G Thompson to the Red Cross or the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe Counties, helping families in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. The family would like to say a special thanks to Alexander Guest House in Oak Ridge, TN, for their kind and loving care. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Thomas Garland Thompson

September 4, 1929 - October 1, 2024