Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas FAY Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas FAY
Scot Cianci
July 13, 2021
I just came across this randomly...late to the meet. What a great coach and wonderful mentor Coach Fay was, and will be forever missed. I "Hup!" with my own kids at their meets even now.
Susie Giovinazzi
June 29, 2012
I have wonderful memories of our Jackson Heights years. You'll always be in my prayers.
Tom Dwyer
June 28, 2012
Tommy, you were one of the really good guys!!! What a great sense of humor. RIP buddy.
Richie Piliero
June 27, 2012
We had many good times at Fordham in the 60's.
Rest in peace, Tom.
June 27, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Tom's wife and family. Janet Swift Balbach, Class of 1956, St. Joan of Arc Elementary School, Jackson Heights, NY. RIP, Tom
Duffy Stowers
June 26, 2012
Tom was a wondeful friend to swimming. I only met him once but we spoke several times by phone. His book on the Tenn. State High School Meet was truly a labor of love for the athletes and for the sport.
I'm sad to know that he is gone but very glad to know that he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Zeben Russell
June 10, 2012
R.I.P. Coach Fay. I will miss you greatly.
delaney amos
June 6, 2012
i miss you sooo much!
Brandon Horn
June 4, 2012
Coach Fay is the most wise and intelligent person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I love how passionate he was about coaching and the sport of swimming. He was knowledgeable about so much and I will never forget his pep talks and hilarious stories. Coach Fay could make the most boring practice enjoyable with his wit and humor. I will forever remember this man who has had such an impact on so many lives including my own.
Alison Bates
June 1, 2012
Coach Fay, I can't begin to express the impact that you've had on my life; it's unbelievable. You taught me so much about perseverance and dedication, and I will carry your memory and the things you've taught me everywhere I go.
Ginny Brown
June 1, 2012
I was 12 when I first met and swam for Coach Fay at Rutherford County YMCA. He taught me more about swimming and life than any other coach. I only swam summers but he always invited me to swim in the morning with his year around NAC kids. He would let me do altered workouts for about 2 weeks and then I was expected to do every bit of yardage as the year arounds. It was exhausting but I learned to work hard and that was the most valuable thing he could have ever taught me.
I am 25 now and for the past 2 years I have volunteered as a swim coach at my old high school. I only hope I can mangage to teach them a tiny amount of what I learned from him. While at State this past winter I was lucky enough to see Coach Fay there. I will never forget the sound of "Hup" as I raced breaststroke. He was an amazing Coach and I know he will be truely missed by all his swimmers.
Linda Cherry
June 1, 2012
Coach, you have helped so many people with swimming and life in general. you were a great man and an awesome coach. you will be missed but never forgotten. love you coach fay rest in peace!
Blake Jorgensen
June 1, 2012
Coach Fay blessed the lives of myself and my entire family with his wisdom, humor, and overall passion. My sister and I swam under his rule for many years, and he gave us the skills we kept throughout our swimming careers and skills that will stay with us forever after. Coach fay once said, "The Journey doesn't start until the pain does. When it hurts, you know you're on the right track." May God bless Tom and his close friends and family in this time of loss. And may Coach Fay's memory live on forever,
Christian Clymer
June 1, 2012
I would like to echo Darren and Holly's comments. I think back to those days with Coach Fay fondly. He helped bring out the best in me. In times of doubt, I can still think back on his pep talks for motivation. "Swim fast in the morning."
Though I'll miss knowing that he's still walking amongst us, he'll always be with me.
Beth Terrell
May 31, 2012
It was my great pleasure to work with Tom at Measurement Incorporated, where he was a quiet but always gracious presence. I always enjoyed reading his articles, which were filled with heart and humor, but I especially enjoyed talking with him about writing and life in general. He will be be deeply missed.
Darren Whiting
May 31, 2012
Some of my best memories from High School involve Coach Fay. Winning State Championship for Brentwood High in '86 at UT, First in state for the 4 x 100 Medley Relay when we should have placed 6th. A total natural high that will never ne replaced. God Bless you Coach Fay!
Holly (Holland) Barker
May 31, 2012
How lucky am I to have had you as my coach. You were like no other and the memories that I have of BHS swim team are so bright- you set goals for our team from the start and provided detailed strategies on how to achieve them (I'll never forget your race-by-race strategy meetings for State and the meditative sessions where you tried to get a roomful of teenagers to actually be silent and envision his/her race). You made us believe that, as a team, we could achieve our goals (even the "C" team). And, best of all, we actually did! The memory of Tim C.'s unexpected relay leg that led to a third State Championship is forever imprinted on my brain. Thank you for the incredible memories and giving us the opportunity to achieve our goals. We accomplished them because of you. You will be missed.
Stephanie (Jorgensen) Knowles
May 31, 2012
Coach Fay's hupping will never fade from my heart. It is a sound that motivated me to swim faster for the Smyrna High School swim team for four years, and to push myself past all the limits I thought I had in POST for two years. He was a wonderful man, a fantastic coach, and a good friend. He will be missed by many, but his hups will never fade. My deepest sympathies to his family,
Paul and Kelly hurley
May 31, 2012
Kelly, your dad touched so many lives as I read the guest book. I know u know how blessed you are to have had such a wonderful father. I know he was equally a great dad to you and your sisters by all the things you have shared. We are praying for peace for you. We love you bunches the other Paul and Kelly...
paula bruch
May 31, 2012
We loved him so much! My kids have a life skill that they will never ever lose... swimming. I will never forget that look on his face when he met my daughter for the first time.... he said that he thought that she was ready for the beach! I have never know such an honest and consistant coach. I am so glad that my kids had the privledge to be part of POST. we sill have the swim caps that he signed for them. He will live in our hearts forever.
Wanda Fischer
May 31, 2012
Gone but not forgotten. Memories of Tom and Cindy living near and raising a very young family. Watching Tom cut the grass was amusing. Cindy explained one day that he cut in random pieces because he just didn't get the need to cut all the grass each week. ha ha...I hope St. Peter doesn't put Tom on yard duty unless my Bob is near to lend him a hand. RIP Dear Friend
found a picture of the team on coach fays last day!
Delaney Amos
May 31, 2012
James (Jim) Pharris
May 31, 2012
This Tom Fay has to be the gentleman I met in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the fall of 1975.
I had just moved to Chattanooga and Tom was employed by the Downtown YMCA. He was kind enough to hire me a a basketball official to work industrial league ball games. He was a true gentleman to me while I worked for him and Ron Moore. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Chris Blose
May 31, 2012
Coach Fay was a huge influence on my life, from my early swimming days at Maryland Farms to my first year at Brentwood High School. I know I'm not the only one, either. He will be missed.
Laura Teague Carrico
May 31, 2012
Swimming was a huge part of my life all the way through high school. I learned so many life lessons around the pool, many of them from Coach Fay. Thank you for the part you played in the person I am today. My children are swimmers now, and I hope they are blessed to have their own Coach Fay.
Brandon Day
May 31, 2012
Coach, I could tell you what you've done for me, but to what avail? No words could even come close to describing it all. Rest in eternal peace at the side of the Lord, and I will be singing His praises alongside you one day.
Bekka Rowland
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay was an amazing Man. He always Pushed me when i felt lIke i wanted to give up. I will Never forget " REMEMBER THE ALAMO"
Sarah (Swanson) Taylor
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay you impacted my life more than you ever knew. I swam for you at Brentwood High '85'-89'. I was an extremely average swimmer but you made me feel like I was one of the best. Your enthusiasm for the sport was infectious and your support for your swimmers was beautiful. I thank you for telling me that I was good at something during those hard teenage years. I will be forever grateful.
Shannon Philbin
May 30, 2012
Sherri: I am a coach in Middle Tennessee and have known Tom for many years. He coached our son, Rob and had a terrific impact on his life as a swimmer and a person. Tom was someone with a constant smile, but also instilled in his swimmers the love of the sport and knowing that if you worked hard, you could get a whole lot better. He knew when to be tough and when to laugh with his swimmers. I will treasure the time that we shared together on the deck. He taught me so very much about swimming and how to be a become a better coach. I am so glad that he was a part of my life. I also appreciate the time he took to write his book on the history of swimming in Tennessee. I wish now that my copy was "autographed". His knowledge and love of the sport will go down of record. I know you will miss him but treasure the time you had together.
Sincerely: Shannon Philbin
Marcie Moore Kirtz
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay, I will never forget you. You taught me to push myself and that is something that will always be with me. You will truly be missed.
Claudia Zuazua
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay, you were one of the biggest blessings we had while we lived in America. You deeply touched our lives and I will be forever thankful for how happy you made my son while you were his coach. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paige Barton-Cantrell
May 30, 2012
Courtney, I am so sorry for your loss. I know this has got to be hard for you and your family. Just remember that loved ones never go away. They are always by our side, even on days when they may seem just an illusion.
Jennifer Johnson Roby
May 30, 2012
COACH FAY WAS AN AMAZING MENTOR, FRIEND AND COACH. I MET HIM WHEN I WAS SO YOUNG AND HE MADE ME FEEL I WAS CAPABLE OF EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. EVERYONE NEEDS A COACH FAY. YOU ARE LOVED AND DEEPLY MISSED.
Mandi (McClure) Bell
May 30, 2012
What a wonderful coach and mentor. Coach Fay always brought out the best in me as a swimmer. As a swim coach and instructor, I try to pass on to my children all that Coach Fay taught to me: how to work hard, have fun, set goals, and keep enthusiasm and passion in the sport. He will be missed.
Whitney Wilt Paulowsky
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay was one of my all time favorite swim coaches. He cared about us in and out of the water. He was such a wonderful man that loved his family. My deepest sympathies.
Laura Jorgensen
May 30, 2012
Both of my children swam under Coach Fay in both P.O.S.T and at Smyrna High. He truly shaped the lives of numerous kids who participated in the sport. His knowledge of the sport and his ability to motivate kids was amazing. His resounding hupping in the pool will be missed for many years. So sorry to hear of his passing, he will be missed by many.
With deepest sympathy,
Beverly Clemmons
May 30, 2012
What a wonderful Man, it was always a pleasure to cut his hair and listen to his many stories, I saw him last in April, when he came in for his last cut, it was also my last day at great clips. My heart go out to his family.
Missy Jones
May 30, 2012
So sorry for the loss of a great man. I have so many wonderful childhood memories in the swimming pool to my BHS highschool days, as he lead the Bruins all the way. He has impacted my life in so many ways and has helped to shape and mold me to who I am today. You will be dearly missed. Missy Jones
Mike and Judy Wilhelm
May 30, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
darwin mccollum
May 30, 2012
Kelly keeping you and your family in our prayers
Mike Hunt
May 30, 2012
My deepest condolences to the the Fay and extended families.
Courtenay Fay
May 30, 2012
I LOVE & MISS YOU
Jim and Sheri Doucette
May 30, 2012
I'm sure your dad will be greatly missed Courtenay. He sounds like a good man that was loved by all. Prayer for your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Jim and Sheri Doucette
Kevin Kraus
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay, You will always remain in my heart, and thoughts. The years I swam on Phase One Swim Team were the most enjoyable years of my life. You always knew just the right things to say in any situation. May you rest in peace.
Courtenay Fay
May 30, 2012
I know I will enjoy all the entries. Some will make me cry, others laugh. Thank you everyone. It brings me great joy to read how he impacted everyone's life.
Larry Prendergast
May 30, 2012
Tom and I met when we were in the first grade, and we went all through elementary school and college together, though we did attend different high schools. He was a true and loyal friend, with an inquiring mind and a great sense of humor. It did not surprise me that his obituary contained a note of humor, authored by him, no doubt.
Go peacefully, my friend.
Delaney Amos
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay, you were a great swim coach that pushed me to my limit. We had great times, and you were always funny, yet you knew when to be serious. I will never forget the memories of the team and I would go to your office and sit down to chat while eating life savers. You gave it to us because we worked hard and showed you what we can do. You said we earned it. Coach Fay I miss you dearly. God, rest his soul. I know he`s in good hands. -Delaney Amos
May 30, 2012
A beautiful example of an ordinary man doing extraordinary things to make a difference in so many lives, a lover of the written word, and you could clearly see this whenever he visited the Smyrna High School library. SHS Bulldogs will miss you, sweet man. Christ's peace to your family.
-Lynette Berry
Suzy McClean- Kay
May 30, 2012
Coach Fay I have been trying to find you for a long time. You were my swim coach in high school 82-86. You made the biggest impact on my life in many ways and taught me that hard work and a positive attitude is so important in life. Thank you.
Ken Northup
May 30, 2012
I first met Tom, when we were in in the sixth grade, on his way to the Jackson Heights branch of the library.
I remember that he was such an avid book reader at that early age that he went there each week with a shopping cart, which he filled to the top with books.
He will be missed but the fond memories will remain.
Karl Olsen
May 30, 2012
Rest in peace Coach Fay. You were a great man and coach. You pushed me hard (I appreciate that now but not then). I am proud to have been part of your state championship teams at Brentwood High in 1986 and 1988. Great memories! You taught me a lot about life and were there to support me when I needed it. Thank you. You will not be forgotten.
Showing 1 - 53 of 53 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas FAY's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas FAY
Funeral services provided by:
Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home - Nashville201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas FAY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
