John Thomas Baugh

John Thomas Baugh ("Tommy"), age 83, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025. Tommy was born on November 11, 1941 in Knoxville to John Cecil Baugh and Neolene Childress Baugh. He graduated from Central High School and continued his education at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. In 1965, Tommy graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and went on to practice law for over 55 years. Throughout his career he became close friends with so many of his colleagues and fellow attorneys.
In 1984, while taking depositions in Chattanooga, Tommy met the love of his life, Patti Jane Lay. Together they shared 38 wonderful years and raised three children. Tommy was an avid outdoorsman and took great pride in teaching his children how to hunt, fish, and appreciate the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories came from traveling with his friends and family to Ontario, Canada for annual fishing trips, a tradition that began in the 1960s. He was also very proud of being an Appalachian Angler and making countless memories with his fellow "anglers" at Camp II. Tommy was known for making people laugh, telling stories, and outshooting his friends at sporting clays. Above all, he was extremely proud of his children and never missed an opportunity to talk about his family.
Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Patti Jane Lay and parents, John Cecil Baugh and Neolene Childress Baugh. He is survived by his children, John Edwin Baugh, Sarah Lauren Baugh Coughlin (Dennis), and Thomas Chandler Baugh; granddaughter, Ruthanne Louise Coughlin; sisters, Cathy Greenberg (Bob), Julie Shu (Rodney); brother-in-law, F. Edwin Lay, Jr.; and nieces and nephews, Julie Kinzer Holt, Meg Kinzer (Charleston, SC), Andrew Shu (Birmingham, AL), Beth Shu (Birmingham, AL), and Martha Jane Lay (Nashville, TN). He is also survived by many more beloved cousins and friends. He will be deeply missed by his loyal English Labrador Retriever, Dusti Rose Baugh.
The family will have a casual celebration of life on Thursday, November 20, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann (6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919). In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tommy's memory to the Fannin County Historical Museum (The Baugh House Museum), 411 West First Street, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513, www.fannincountyheritagefoundation.org Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com