Thomas (Tom) Tipton Thornburgh Sr.’s radiant smile ceased to shine on Earth on Feb. 28, 2021.
His smile captured the essence of his sunny personality that warmed the hearts of so many family and friends. His smile and gift of conversation are the things that people remember most about him.
Tom was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on March 27, 1958 with his twin sister Mary. His parents, John Matlock Thornburgh and Betty Jean (Yeo) Thornburgh, moved to the Alaska Territory for John’s service at Eielson Air Force Base. Tom took great pride that his birth pre-dated Alaska’s statehood.
As a child, Tom talked non-stop at full volume. At one point, his vocal cords just “wore out” as his mother liked to say, and Tom had to take a brief but difficult pause from talking while they healed. His wordplay and horseplay led younger brother Richard to declare, “Everybody bugs me, especially Tom!” a phrase later emblazoned on a T-shirt in Tom’s honor. During his youth and college days, Tom loved nothing better than spending leisurely days at Norris Lake with family and friends. It was there that he learned to water ski. While brothers, Fred and James, were teaching him how to slalom on one ski, Tom skied into an unsuspecting cow that was taking a drink from the lake, a unique accomplishment for which he was remembered the rest of his life. Tom was shaken, but not stirred to abandon his passion for cutting a rooster tail, spraying objects up and down the shoreline of Norris Lake for many years.
Tom attended Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. He pursued his college studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at UT Chattanooga. As a professional geologist, he worked over 20 years in Chattanooga, Nashville and Oak Ridge for TVA, the U.S. Geological Society, Peer Consulting, Brown and Root, and CDM Federal. Tom loved geology jokes. To insult his brother James he would say, “You hemiterriginous pelagic turbidite!” to which James, a fellow geologist, would reply, “Oh yeah, well you’re a real copralite!”
Tom married the love of his life, his wife Brenda, in a beautiful ceremony at Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville, in 2000. His son, Tom, Jr. (33), who was 12 at the time, proposed to Brenda first, asking if she would “marry his daddy.” Tom, Sr. proposed a month later, and they were married the following fall. A few years later, they added sons Christopher (17) and Connor (15) to the family. After retiring as a Geologist in order to be at home more with Brenda and the boys, Tom began a second career as a massage therapist. He practiced in Oak Ridge for a few years before being stricken with FTD (Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration), a rare neurological disorder that destroys the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, for which there is currently no treatment and no cure.
A passion for Tennessee Volunteer football and Atlanta Braves baseball also animated Tom’s life. He loved attending Vols football games with his father and continued the tradition with his three sons. Tom proudly wore the bright orange to Phoenix in 1999 with his son Tom, Jr. to witness the Vols national championship victory at the Fiesta Bowl. Recently, Tom gave a big “thumbs up” to son Christopher, who announced he would be accepting an honors scholarship offer to become part of the 4th generation of Thornburghs to attend UT. Tom was so proud, as would be great-grandfather, Judge John Minnis Thornburgh, great aunt and author, Laura Thornburgh, and Grandad John Matlock Thornburgh, all graduates of UTK.
Tom was an avid tennis player and snow skier, and you had to think twice before taking him on in Ping Pong or pickup basketball. Outdoor activities, especially boating and hiking, were passions of his, as were cooking and fine dining. He and Brenda traveled extensively, taking the boys with them on many journeys. Visiting the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was nearly an annual event, and they renewed their vows on Kauai in 2018. Several trips involved Rotary Conventions and Rotary Service Projects. Tom was a dedicated Rotarian, and was a proud member of The Oak Ridge Rotary Club. Following his diagnosis, when attending meetings was no longer possible, his club named him an Honorary Rotarian.
Above all things, Tom’s greatest passion was his family. In addition to wife Brenda (Saylor) Thornburgh, Tom is survived by sons, Thomas Jr. (Katie), Christopher, and Connor, as well as grandsons, Chase and Kasen. Unborn grandson, Owen is expected in late May. Tom, Sr. gave a “thumbs up” when told of the wonderful news. His “greatest hero” was his father-in-law, Berl Saylor. Surviving siblings include Kathy Thornburgh (Kit Rawson), Jean Klockenkemper (Joe), Mike Thornburgh (Donna), Mary Thornburgh (Tanai Tae), Fred Thornburgh (Mona), James Thornburgh (Oratai), and Richard Thornburgh (Katherine) and their extended families.
Tom also loved spending time with his best friend, Tom Jeskie, sharing a cold brew or Ms. Betty’s Chinese. Even when FTD began to steal Tom T’s voice, Tom J was there, always a supportive friend. Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church - Oak Ridge.
Due to the large number of family members and friends scattered around the country, and the continuing health concerns associated with COVID-19 and large gatherings, a celebration of life service will take place at a later date. Tom loved music and celebrations of all types, and the celebration of his life will reflect his vibrant spirit. More details will be announced as plans are made and as conditions permit large gatherings.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of The Pat Summitt Clinic at UT Hospital, Commonwealth Senior Living, The Alexander House, Amedisys Hospice, and Keystone Adult Day Program for their loving and kind care of Tom during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to The Rotary Club of Oak Ridge (PO Box 4183, Oak Ridge, TN 37830), The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, (AFTD - 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406), or Keystone Adult Day Program (1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830).
A private graveside service for the immediate family will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn., on March 26, 2021 at noon, with the Rev. Jenny Caughman officiating. Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
His smile captured the essence of his sunny personality that warmed the hearts of so many family and friends. His smile and gift of conversation are the things that people remember most about him.
Tom was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on March 27, 1958 with his twin sister Mary. His parents, John Matlock Thornburgh and Betty Jean (Yeo) Thornburgh, moved to the Alaska Territory for John’s service at Eielson Air Force Base. Tom took great pride that his birth pre-dated Alaska’s statehood.
As a child, Tom talked non-stop at full volume. At one point, his vocal cords just “wore out” as his mother liked to say, and Tom had to take a brief but difficult pause from talking while they healed. His wordplay and horseplay led younger brother Richard to declare, “Everybody bugs me, especially Tom!” a phrase later emblazoned on a T-shirt in Tom’s honor. During his youth and college days, Tom loved nothing better than spending leisurely days at Norris Lake with family and friends. It was there that he learned to water ski. While brothers, Fred and James, were teaching him how to slalom on one ski, Tom skied into an unsuspecting cow that was taking a drink from the lake, a unique accomplishment for which he was remembered the rest of his life. Tom was shaken, but not stirred to abandon his passion for cutting a rooster tail, spraying objects up and down the shoreline of Norris Lake for many years.
Tom attended Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. He pursued his college studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at UT Chattanooga. As a professional geologist, he worked over 20 years in Chattanooga, Nashville and Oak Ridge for TVA, the U.S. Geological Society, Peer Consulting, Brown and Root, and CDM Federal. Tom loved geology jokes. To insult his brother James he would say, “You hemiterriginous pelagic turbidite!” to which James, a fellow geologist, would reply, “Oh yeah, well you’re a real copralite!”
Tom married the love of his life, his wife Brenda, in a beautiful ceremony at Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville, in 2000. His son, Tom, Jr. (33), who was 12 at the time, proposed to Brenda first, asking if she would “marry his daddy.” Tom, Sr. proposed a month later, and they were married the following fall. A few years later, they added sons Christopher (17) and Connor (15) to the family. After retiring as a Geologist in order to be at home more with Brenda and the boys, Tom began a second career as a massage therapist. He practiced in Oak Ridge for a few years before being stricken with FTD (Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration), a rare neurological disorder that destroys the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, for which there is currently no treatment and no cure.
A passion for Tennessee Volunteer football and Atlanta Braves baseball also animated Tom’s life. He loved attending Vols football games with his father and continued the tradition with his three sons. Tom proudly wore the bright orange to Phoenix in 1999 with his son Tom, Jr. to witness the Vols national championship victory at the Fiesta Bowl. Recently, Tom gave a big “thumbs up” to son Christopher, who announced he would be accepting an honors scholarship offer to become part of the 4th generation of Thornburghs to attend UT. Tom was so proud, as would be great-grandfather, Judge John Minnis Thornburgh, great aunt and author, Laura Thornburgh, and Grandad John Matlock Thornburgh, all graduates of UTK.
Tom was an avid tennis player and snow skier, and you had to think twice before taking him on in Ping Pong or pickup basketball. Outdoor activities, especially boating and hiking, were passions of his, as were cooking and fine dining. He and Brenda traveled extensively, taking the boys with them on many journeys. Visiting the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was nearly an annual event, and they renewed their vows on Kauai in 2018. Several trips involved Rotary Conventions and Rotary Service Projects. Tom was a dedicated Rotarian, and was a proud member of The Oak Ridge Rotary Club. Following his diagnosis, when attending meetings was no longer possible, his club named him an Honorary Rotarian.
Above all things, Tom’s greatest passion was his family. In addition to wife Brenda (Saylor) Thornburgh, Tom is survived by sons, Thomas Jr. (Katie), Christopher, and Connor, as well as grandsons, Chase and Kasen. Unborn grandson, Owen is expected in late May. Tom, Sr. gave a “thumbs up” when told of the wonderful news. His “greatest hero” was his father-in-law, Berl Saylor. Surviving siblings include Kathy Thornburgh (Kit Rawson), Jean Klockenkemper (Joe), Mike Thornburgh (Donna), Mary Thornburgh (Tanai Tae), Fred Thornburgh (Mona), James Thornburgh (Oratai), and Richard Thornburgh (Katherine) and their extended families.
Tom also loved spending time with his best friend, Tom Jeskie, sharing a cold brew or Ms. Betty’s Chinese. Even when FTD began to steal Tom T’s voice, Tom J was there, always a supportive friend. Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church - Oak Ridge.
Due to the large number of family members and friends scattered around the country, and the continuing health concerns associated with COVID-19 and large gatherings, a celebration of life service will take place at a later date. Tom loved music and celebrations of all types, and the celebration of his life will reflect his vibrant spirit. More details will be announced as plans are made and as conditions permit large gatherings.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of The Pat Summitt Clinic at UT Hospital, Commonwealth Senior Living, The Alexander House, Amedisys Hospice, and Keystone Adult Day Program for their loving and kind care of Tom during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to The Rotary Club of Oak Ridge (PO Box 4183, Oak Ridge, TN 37830), The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, (AFTD - 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406), or Keystone Adult Day Program (1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830).
A private graveside service for the immediate family will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn., on March 26, 2021 at noon, with the Rev. Jenny Caughman officiating. Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
Thomas (Tom) Tipton Thornburgh Sr.’s radiant smile ceased to shine on Earth on Feb. 28, 2021.
His smile captured the essence of his sunny personality that warmed the hearts of so many family and friends. His smile and gift of conversation are the things that people remember most about him.
Tom was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on March 27, 1958 with his twin sister Mary. His parents, John Matlock Thornburgh and Betty Jean (Yeo) Thornburgh, moved to the Alaska Territory for John’s service at Eielson Air Force Base. Tom took great pride that his birth pre-dated Alaska’s statehood.
As a child, Tom talked non-stop at full volume. At one point, his vocal cords just “wore out” as his mother liked to say, and Tom had to take a brief but difficult pause from talking while they healed. His wordplay and horseplay led younger brother Richard to declare, “Everybody bugs me, especially Tom!” a phrase later emblazoned on a T-shirt in Tom’s honor. During his youth and college days, Tom loved nothing better than spending leisurely days at Norris Lake with family and friends. It was there that he learned to water ski. While brothers, Fred and James, were teaching him how to slalom on one ski, Tom skied into an unsuspecting cow that was taking a drink from the lake, a unique accomplishment for which he was remembered the rest of his life. Tom was shaken, but not stirred to abandon his passion for cutting a rooster tail, spraying objects up and down the shoreline of Norris Lake for many years.
Tom attended Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. He pursued his college studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at UT Chattanooga. As a professional geologist, he worked over 20 years in Chattanooga, Nashville and Oak Ridge for TVA, the U.S. Geological Society, Peer Consulting, Brown and Root, and CDM Federal. Tom loved geology jokes. To insult his brother James he would say, “You hemiterriginous pelagic turbidite!” to which James, a fellow geologist, would reply, “Oh yeah, well you’re a real copralite!”
Tom married the love of his life, his wife Brenda, in a beautiful ceremony at Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville, in 2000. His son, Tom, Jr. (33), who was 12 at the time, proposed to Brenda first, asking if she would “marry his daddy.” Tom, Sr. proposed a month later, and they were married the following fall. A few years later, they added sons Christopher (17) and Connor (15) to the family. After retiring as a Geologist in order to be at home more with Brenda and the boys, Tom began a second career as a massage therapist. He practiced in Oak Ridge for a few years before being stricken with FTD (Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration), a rare neurological disorder that destroys the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, for which there is currently no treatment and no cure.
A passion for Tennessee Volunteer football and Atlanta Braves baseball also animated Tom’s life. He loved attending Vols football games with his father and continued the tradition with his three sons. Tom proudly wore the bright orange to Phoenix in 1999 with his son Tom, Jr. to witness the Vols national championship victory at the Fiesta Bowl. Recently, Tom gave a big “thumbs up” to son Christopher, who announced he would be accepting an honors scholarship offer to become part of the 4th generation of Thornburghs to attend UT. Tom was so proud, as would be great-grandfather, Judge John Minnis Thornburgh, great aunt and author, Laura Thornburgh, and Grandad John Matlock Thornburgh, all graduates of UTK.
Tom was an avid tennis player and snow skier, and you had to think twice before taking him on in Ping Pong or pickup basketball. Outdoor activities, especially boating and hiking, were passions of his, as were cooking and fine dining. He and Brenda traveled extensively, taking the boys with them on many journeys. Visiting the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was nearly an annual event, and they renewed their vows on Kauai in 2018. Several trips involved Rotary Conventions and Rotary Service Projects. Tom was a dedicated Rotarian, and was a proud member of The Oak Ridge Rotary Club. Following his diagnosis, when attending meetings was no longer possible, his club named him an Honorary Rotarian.
Above all things, Tom’s greatest passion was his family. In addition to wife Brenda (Saylor) Thornburgh, Tom is survived by sons, Thomas Jr. (Katie), Christopher, and Connor, as well as grandsons, Chase and Kasen. Unborn grandson, Owen is expected in late May. Tom, Sr. gave a “thumbs up” when told of the wonderful news. His “greatest hero” was his father-in-law, Berl Saylor. Surviving siblings include Kathy Thornburgh (Kit Rawson), Jean Klockenkemper (Joe), Mike Thornburgh (Donna), Mary Thornburgh (Tanai Tae), Fred Thornburgh (Mona), James Thornburgh (Oratai), and Richard Thornburgh (Katherine) and their extended families.
Tom also loved spending time with his best friend, Tom Jeskie, sharing a cold brew or Ms. Betty’s Chinese. Even when FTD began to steal Tom T’s voice, Tom J was there, always a supportive friend. Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church - Oak Ridge.
Due to the large number of family members and friends scattered around the country, and the continuing health concerns associated with COVID-19 and large gatherings, a celebration of life service will take place at a later date. Tom loved music and celebrations of all types, and the celebration of his life will reflect his vibrant spirit. More details will be announced as plans are made and as conditions permit large gatherings.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of The Pat Summitt Clinic at UT Hospital, Commonwealth Senior Living, The Alexander House, Amedisys Hospice, and Keystone Adult Day Program for their loving and kind care of Tom during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to The Rotary Club of Oak Ridge (PO Box 4183, Oak Ridge, TN 37830), The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, (AFTD - 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406), or Keystone Adult Day Program (1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830).
A private graveside service for the immediate family will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn., on March 26, 2021 at noon, with the Rev. Jenny Caughman officiating. Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
His smile captured the essence of his sunny personality that warmed the hearts of so many family and friends. His smile and gift of conversation are the things that people remember most about him.
Tom was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on March 27, 1958 with his twin sister Mary. His parents, John Matlock Thornburgh and Betty Jean (Yeo) Thornburgh, moved to the Alaska Territory for John’s service at Eielson Air Force Base. Tom took great pride that his birth pre-dated Alaska’s statehood.
As a child, Tom talked non-stop at full volume. At one point, his vocal cords just “wore out” as his mother liked to say, and Tom had to take a brief but difficult pause from talking while they healed. His wordplay and horseplay led younger brother Richard to declare, “Everybody bugs me, especially Tom!” a phrase later emblazoned on a T-shirt in Tom’s honor. During his youth and college days, Tom loved nothing better than spending leisurely days at Norris Lake with family and friends. It was there that he learned to water ski. While brothers, Fred and James, were teaching him how to slalom on one ski, Tom skied into an unsuspecting cow that was taking a drink from the lake, a unique accomplishment for which he was remembered the rest of his life. Tom was shaken, but not stirred to abandon his passion for cutting a rooster tail, spraying objects up and down the shoreline of Norris Lake for many years.
Tom attended Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga. He pursued his college studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology at UT Chattanooga. As a professional geologist, he worked over 20 years in Chattanooga, Nashville and Oak Ridge for TVA, the U.S. Geological Society, Peer Consulting, Brown and Root, and CDM Federal. Tom loved geology jokes. To insult his brother James he would say, “You hemiterriginous pelagic turbidite!” to which James, a fellow geologist, would reply, “Oh yeah, well you’re a real copralite!”
Tom married the love of his life, his wife Brenda, in a beautiful ceremony at Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville, in 2000. His son, Tom, Jr. (33), who was 12 at the time, proposed to Brenda first, asking if she would “marry his daddy.” Tom, Sr. proposed a month later, and they were married the following fall. A few years later, they added sons Christopher (17) and Connor (15) to the family. After retiring as a Geologist in order to be at home more with Brenda and the boys, Tom began a second career as a massage therapist. He practiced in Oak Ridge for a few years before being stricken with FTD (Frontotemporal Lobe Degeneration), a rare neurological disorder that destroys the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, for which there is currently no treatment and no cure.
A passion for Tennessee Volunteer football and Atlanta Braves baseball also animated Tom’s life. He loved attending Vols football games with his father and continued the tradition with his three sons. Tom proudly wore the bright orange to Phoenix in 1999 with his son Tom, Jr. to witness the Vols national championship victory at the Fiesta Bowl. Recently, Tom gave a big “thumbs up” to son Christopher, who announced he would be accepting an honors scholarship offer to become part of the 4th generation of Thornburghs to attend UT. Tom was so proud, as would be great-grandfather, Judge John Minnis Thornburgh, great aunt and author, Laura Thornburgh, and Grandad John Matlock Thornburgh, all graduates of UTK.
Tom was an avid tennis player and snow skier, and you had to think twice before taking him on in Ping Pong or pickup basketball. Outdoor activities, especially boating and hiking, were passions of his, as were cooking and fine dining. He and Brenda traveled extensively, taking the boys with them on many journeys. Visiting the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was nearly an annual event, and they renewed their vows on Kauai in 2018. Several trips involved Rotary Conventions and Rotary Service Projects. Tom was a dedicated Rotarian, and was a proud member of The Oak Ridge Rotary Club. Following his diagnosis, when attending meetings was no longer possible, his club named him an Honorary Rotarian.
Above all things, Tom’s greatest passion was his family. In addition to wife Brenda (Saylor) Thornburgh, Tom is survived by sons, Thomas Jr. (Katie), Christopher, and Connor, as well as grandsons, Chase and Kasen. Unborn grandson, Owen is expected in late May. Tom, Sr. gave a “thumbs up” when told of the wonderful news. His “greatest hero” was his father-in-law, Berl Saylor. Surviving siblings include Kathy Thornburgh (Kit Rawson), Jean Klockenkemper (Joe), Mike Thornburgh (Donna), Mary Thornburgh (Tanai Tae), Fred Thornburgh (Mona), James Thornburgh (Oratai), and Richard Thornburgh (Katherine) and their extended families.
Tom also loved spending time with his best friend, Tom Jeskie, sharing a cold brew or Ms. Betty’s Chinese. Even when FTD began to steal Tom T’s voice, Tom J was there, always a supportive friend. Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church - Oak Ridge.
Due to the large number of family members and friends scattered around the country, and the continuing health concerns associated with COVID-19 and large gatherings, a celebration of life service will take place at a later date. Tom loved music and celebrations of all types, and the celebration of his life will reflect his vibrant spirit. More details will be announced as plans are made and as conditions permit large gatherings.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of The Pat Summitt Clinic at UT Hospital, Commonwealth Senior Living, The Alexander House, Amedisys Hospice, and Keystone Adult Day Program for their loving and kind care of Tom during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to The Rotary Club of Oak Ridge (PO Box 4183, Oak Ridge, TN 37830), The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, (AFTD - 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406), or Keystone Adult Day Program (1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830).
A private graveside service for the immediate family will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn., on March 26, 2021 at noon, with the Rev. Jenny Caughman officiating. Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
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