Thomas Farnsworth Cash

We are saddened at the loss of our husband, father and grandfather, Tom Cash.
Thomas Farnsworth Cash, Sr, "Poppy" passed away Feb. 22 in Naples, FL. He was born in Nashville, TN to Mabyn (ne Hartman) and Leonard "Spot" Cash. He attended Parmer School and Battleground Academy. He later went to Peabody Demonstration School, where he was excited to attend school with girls. He attended Vanderbilt University and Peabody College, earning his Ph.D in Psychology. He served as a professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, enjoying his work as a teacher, practitioner, writer, and researcher as well as basking in the beauty of his beloved Chesapeake Bay.
Tom was not only one of the most prolific and cited body image researchers and authors in the world, he also established and fostered an entirely new field of study. In the words of Tom Pruzinsky, one of his long-time collaborators and friends, "Tom brought joy to the work and warmth to his relationships. The field of body image research wouldnt exist were it not for him."
Near the end of a 35-year career at Old Dominion University, when most would have slowed down, he was just getting started. He founded Body Image: An International Journal of Research and devoted the next 10 years to mentoring the next generation of researchers across the globe.
After he retired from Old Dominion, he moved to Naples, FL with, as he often said, "the love of my life," his wife, Natalie.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents and brother Leonard Banks Cash, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife Natalie (ne Simone) of Naples, FL, sons Tom, Jr. (Melissa) and Ben (Maria). Stepchildren Kirsten (Brad) Hakes, Anthony Peleckis (Antonia), Elizabeth Melendez (Jorge), Andrew Peleckis (Mark Itkin), Grandchildren Hayden, Ella, Mia, Olive, Luke, Lindsay (James), and Aidan. We will always treasure his kindness, wisdom, and love of puns.
Funeral Mass will be at Saint William Catholic Church, Naples, FL, Saturday, May 10 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Humane Society in Naples. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.