Thomas Dexter Justis

Thomas "Dexter" Justis, born on November 18, 1976, in Morristown, Tennessee, passed away on January 15, 2026, due to a short battle with CNS Lymphoma.

Dexter's life was defined by love, leadership, and a steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dexter will be remembered for his unwavering strength, his incredible work ethic, his big loving heart for his family and friends, his love for the Tennessee Vols, and, above all, his deep-seated faith in God. May he be remembered not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived and for the lasting impact he had on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dexter was a professional civil engineer and transportation leader with nearly 25 years of experience at TDOT. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with both a Bachelor and Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Throughout his TDOT career, he held many positions, including District Operations Engineer, Regional Materials Engineer, Project Supervisor, Director of Project Management, and most recently, Region 1 Director.

Dexter was an inspiration to so many and the best husband, dad, son, brother, and friend that anyone could ever ask for.

Dexter is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ruth and Hubert (Bo) Tart, and Eva and Bill Justis. Dexter is survived by his wife of 24 years, Melanie; daughters, Lucy and Nina; parents, Tommy and Sue Justis; sister and brother-in-law, Libby and Brandon Sullivan; niece, Bonnie; nephew, James Thomas; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Phyllis Ricker; brother-in-law, Wesley Ricker; nephews, Cody and family, Logan and family; and a host of other family and friends.

The family would like to extend a thank you to all the wonderful medical professionals who helped with Dexter's care and rare diagnosis.

A memorial service celebrating Dexter's life will be held on January 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Jefferson City Christian Church, with Reverends Luke Emmert, Chad Morris, and Ray Sweet. Prior to the service, a drop-in visitation at Jefferson City Christian Church will be held beginning at 3:00 PM. The family invites all who knew and loved Dexter to come together in remembering and celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dexter's memory to help provide for the education and care of his daughters, Lucy and Nina. Donations may be made on Venmo to: VENMO@JUSTISNL

"Though grief may feel endless, so too does love. The people we lose never truly leave us, they live in our stories, our memories, and the love we carry every single day."

Allen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.