Thomas Lee "Tom" Claborn

Thomas "Tom" Lee Claborn, 74, of Ocala, FL went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at home.

Tom was born July 2, 1951 in Decatur, TX to V. M. Claborn, Jr. and Doris Mae (née Williams) Claborn. Tommy, as he was known to his family, graduated from Decatur High School in 1969. He joined the Air Force after high school. He served in Italy and Guam before returning home to the States.

Tom married Kelley (née Hemmings) of Las Vegas, NV in 1980 and they supported each other in

marriage for 45 years. He instilled in sons Bill and Mike the love of outdoors through camping and

fishing. Tom championed them by coming to every sporting event no matter what. Tom was known for his quiet, kind nature, always being there for his family. He especially loved seeing his grandchildren grow up. Tom exemplified hard work, loyalty, and remains a strong role model for his sons.

He is remembered and cherished by wife Kelley of Ocala, FL; sons: Thomas William & wife Shimi, of Honolulu, HI, and Michael Paul & wife Nicky, of Austin, TX; and four siblings Nancy Humphrey of Decatur, TX, Judy DeLay of Denton, TX, Trudy Claborn of Dallas, TX, and Hank & wife Sheri Claborn of Decatur, TX. His grandchildren include Scarlett (13), Wyatt (10), and Savannah (7) of Austin, TX, and Ethan (8), and Phoebe (8) of Honolulu, HI. He will be missed by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca "Becky" Morgan, on November 25, 2024; his mother, Doris Mae, on July 2, 1993; and his father, V. M., on October 28, 2010.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 615 Co Rd 1280, Alvord, TX 76225.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Tom to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.