Thomas Jay Dees

We have lost a friend and champion of the people. Thomas Jay Dees passed away two days short of his 58th birthday on February 9, 2023, after an illness.

Tom was an Emmy-award-winning reporter for 27 years with WHBQ-TV FOX13 in Memphis. During that time, he earned the respect and love of viewers for his moving and in-depth stories about people and places in the Mid-South. One viewer described him as a "champion for charities, a supporter of small businesses, and a lover of food and music."

Tom's superpower was his ability to tell someone's story with compassion and dignity. But first and foremost, Tom was a husband, father and son. His wife Cathy and three children were his pride and joy.

Born in Indiana, Tom and his family moved frequently as his father served as a navigator in the US Air Force. Tom graduated high school in Louisiana, where he was a state cross-country champion. But Mississippi was home. Tom was a proud and loyal Mississippi State Bulldog. He graduated from MSU in 1987, and that's where he met Cathy.

He started his career in Tupelo at WTVA as a videographer and editor. Tom joined FOX13 as a reporter in November 1995. Along the way, Tom earned three Emmy Awards for his reporting. Over the years he covered stories ranging from his Road Patrol "Drive-Don't Drive" segments, and the 2008 Presidential debate at the University of Mississippi to stories featuring local restaurants and real people doing amazing things. He is perhaps best known for his extensive coverage of North Mississippi after earning the trust of people and leaders who counted on him to share their stories.

Tom loved his sidekick, Belle. A loyal friend to the end, she was his protector and constant companion. Tom loved cooking, playing guitar, fishing, Tybee Island Beach, Mardi Gras and eating breakfast every Saturday morning at Neighborhood Grill with Mr. Jack (Jackie Marr). He was quick with a self-deprecating quip and could unleash a stream of puns like no one else. He was a tireless and loyal friend and colleague. Many of us came to rely on reading his "deep reflections" shared every Sunday morning on Facebook. Recently, Tom's post shared how the Cody Johnson song "Til you Can't" reminded him that life is about "running at it and realizing you gotta love and live like the clock is ticking." That's what Tom did with every fiber of his being.

To know Tom was to love Tom. That's why his passing hurts so bad.

Tom is preceded in death by his father, Jay Dees. He is survived by his mother Lori and brother Scott (Edie). Tom is also survived by his wife of nearly 34 years, Cathy (Guice) Dees, and three children: Ally (Blake), Amelia (Jordan), and Austin. He is also survived by his nephews Starnes and Chris and his nieces Zsuzanne and Mary.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: Visitation is Friday, February 17, from 5-7 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home, 6815 Parkview Boulevard, Olive Branch, MS. Funeral services are Saturday, February 18, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 9155 Highland Street, Olive Branch, MS.

In lieu of traditional flowers, memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.rmhc.org.