Thomas Baughman

Thomas "Tom" Keller Baughman, a gifted musician and devoted family man, passed away unexpectedly at home on his 69th birthday, January 23, 2025. Born on January 23, 1956, in Chillicothe, Ohio, Tom was the son of Max Vernon Baughman and Janice Keller Baughman. He grew up in his hometown with his brother Mark and attended Chillicothe High School before embarking on a life filled with music, love, and dedication.

Tom's passion for music began early, and he quickly distinguished himself as an extraordinary talent. A virtuoso on the steel guitar, electric guitar, and classical guitar, his artistry spanned genres from Rock and Roll to Western Swing and Country music. His career started with local bands like Bramble and Hannie Hooker before leading him to Nashville, Tennessee-a city that would become both his professional stage and personal sanctuary.

In Nashville's thriving music scene, Tom's talents flourished. He performed at Opryland Themepark as part of the Country Music USA band and toured Europe with the Opryland show, playing for audiences that included the French Ambassador. He also graced the stage at Dollywood Themepark in Pigeon Forge. Over the years, Tom lent his exceptional skills to artists such as Marsha Thornton, Billy Dean, Tracy Lawrence for eight memorable years, John Michael Montgomery for seven years, Tracy Byrd for three years, and other notable performers including Jerry Lee Lewis, Mark Chesnutt, Lonestar, George Strait, and Kenny Chesney. His tours took him across the United States-visiting every state except Hawaii-as well as to Mexico, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Alaska, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Tom's recording achievements were equally impressive. He contributed to several of Tracy Lawrence's albums with standout performances on acoustic and steel guitar for *Tracy Lawrence Live* and *The Coast Is Clear*, particularly on the iconic song "Time Marches On." He was nominated in 1996 by the Academy of Country Music for the Studio Recording Award, Steel Guitar Player of the Year.

Despite his many accolades in the music world, Tom always held his family closest to his heart. After years of touring extensively, he chose to step back from life on the road to spend more time with those he loved most. Even as he transitioned into new roles outside of music-working for the YMCA in Mt. Juliet; serving as a security officer at both the Howard Building and Music City Center Convention Bureau; and later finding a peaceful setting as an armed security officer at The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's historic home and farm-he never set down his beloved guitars. Every day and night he played tirelessly at home, honing his craft and creating new material while sharing his profound passion for music with family and friends.

Tom possessed a deep love for guitars-not just playing them but studying their intricacies. A self-taught craftsman of sorts who could almost be called a luthier in spirit if not title-he mixed parts to create unique instruments that reflected his boundless curiosity. From discussing types of wood to explaining pickups he had installed or their origins of manufacture-each guitar was a story he delighted in sharing with his family.

A man of quiet kindness but lively humor, Tom could strike up a conversation with anyone-and often did-with a guitar in hand as accompaniment to his words. His laughter was infectious; his joy was palpable. Whether riding thrilling roller coasters alongside Holly or Matthew or simply being present during everyday moments at home with Lori-the family he built brought him immeasurable happiness.

Tom met Lori Weeks near her hometown in Virginia at a county fair-a chance encounter that blossomed into nearly three decades filled with love. They were married on November 18th, 1995-a union rooted deeply in devotion-and made their home together in Old Hickory, Tennessee where they raised two remarkable children: Holly Baughman Goetz (married to Andrew Goetz) and Matthew Baughman-all residing within Nashville TN bringing comfort knowing support remains close-knit among loved ones left behind. When reflecting upon fatherhood, Tom shared with his children that it was one of the best things that had ever happened to him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents. He remained extremely close to his brother Mark (with his partner Nancy) living in Sarasota, FL spending hours reminiscing about memories, music, and instruments.

Although gone too soon, the family praises the full and loving life they shared with Tom. Please join them in his Celebration of Life Service, being held on Saturday, February 8 at New Hope Hermitage Church, 6010 S. New Hope Road, Hermitage, TN. The family will begin receiving guests beginning at 1:00 pm, with the service to begin at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA honoring Tom's love of animals.