Thomas Howard Heilbron

On Sunday, November 13th, Thomas Heilbron passed away in Jessamine County at the age of 82. For 60 years he was the beloved husband and soulmate of Mary Heilbron. Their love was a story for the ages. His family was the most important thing to him and he leaves behind a legacy of strength, character, high morals and most of all, unconditional love. Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Michelle (Michael) Gilliam and Julie (Shawn) Gillen, and four granddaughters, Grace (Justin) Jeter, Ava Gilliam, Bella Gillen and Claudia Gillen, a brother Bill (Brenda) Heilbron, and many friends.

Tom attended Henry Clay High School, where he excelled in academics and sports. He played basketball, football and ran track. He was an all-star athlete and was awarded the Yale Cup. He went on to attend University of Kentucky where he received a degree in civil engineering. It was in 1960 at UK where he met Mary Blanche Smith, the love of his life, during Mary's first weekend there. Tom was so enraptured by this beautiful mountain girl that the next day he made an hilarious attempt to break a date she had with someone else. Tom called Mary's dorm, pretending to be the other guy, and said he had to cancel. Of course, Mary knew better but she was smitten and the rest is history. Following UK, he and Mary married and both attended Michigan State University, where he received his master's degree in urban planning.

During his career, he was a planner, developer and visionary, always striving for excellence. On many projects his love of outdoor beauty and landscaping enabled him to create beautiful communities and a golf course. He especially loved utilizing stone, water features and an abundance of trees. Tom served on many boards and committees throughout his life, always offering wise, well thought out advice. His main hobby was golf, where he was able to form lifetime friendships, as well as enjoy the game he loved. About 20 years ago he started to study painting and discovered it was something he really enjoyed. Every year he would create a Christmas card from a recent painting. Many have said they looked forward to his paintings each Christmas.

Tom was a Christian. He was an encourager. He was kind. He was patient. He was fair. He was always available to offer help, guidance, wisdom and support, and has had a lasting impact on those fortunate to know him. He was passionate about instilling confidence in others and helping to elevate them, whether that be by lifting a granddaughter over his head to reach a basketball goal, or by clearly reminding people of their potential.

With many lifelong accomplishments from which to draw pride and meaning, Tom took the greatest pride in being present for his family. Always staying busy and productive, he would stop a project at a moment's notice in order to listen to, play with or help his wife, daughters or granddaughters. He was intentional about creating traditions and cherished memories with them.

Pallbearers will be Shawn Gillen, Michael Gilliam, Justin Jeter, Quin Broadbent, Pat Duff, Tommy Gilbert, Dr. Gregory Hood, Lee Simpson and Steve Smitha.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Max Calhoun, Clay Corman, Bill Heilbron, Bob Hooker, Jonah Mitchell, Dick Parsons, Al Robinson, Jim Sturdivant and Humzey Yessin.

He was a member of Southern Hills United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Services will be held there, 2356 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington, KY on Saturday, November 19th at 10:00 a.m. Burial immediately following at Lexington Cemetery. A reception will be held at The Champions following the burial on Saturday. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home-Harrodsburg Road is in care of funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory are suggested to one of the following:

Steps & Strides Equestrian Services
3145 High Bridge Road
Wilmore, KY 40390
www.stepsandstridesequestrianservices.org

Angel Flight South Central
P.O. Box 2207
Addison, Texas 75001
www.angelflightsc.org

Angel Flight Mid Atlantic
4620 Haygood Road, Suite 3
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
www.angelflightmidatlantic.org