Thomas Charles Morton

Thomas Charles Morton was born June 16, 1988, in Nashville, Tennessee. He passed away on April 26, 2023 in Orlando, Florida at the age of 34. Thomas battled with chronic pain, depression and PTSD for many years, finally being overcome by his suffering, he took his own life.
Tom attended Martin Luther King Magnet from 2000 to 2004. He then attended Father Ryan High School and graduated in 2006. After high school he went to Middle Tennessee State University for pre-med until he joined the United States Marine Corps January 12, 2009. He served with the 3rd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. He was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. He was an infantry squad leader. He served two tours in Afghanistan in the Helmand province. The 3rd Platoon Marines partnered with the Afghan National Police to search for insurgent activity. They also mentored the ANP so as to prepare them to take lead security responsibility in Garmsir. His Marine brother remembered that during deployments, "Levity at the perfect time was his gift. He was a fierce Marine but he could switch to gentle at the exact right moment." Tom took candy and small toys on patrol and handed them out to children in the area. A photo of him doing so went internationally viral. He was honorably discharged January 11, 2013 as a Lance Corporal and later promoted to Sergeant while in the ready reserves.
Tom moved to Denver, Colorado after his service in the Marines and met Symone Loomis-Dotson. They fell in love and eventually married in 2018. They were together seven years. They lived a happy, adventurous life together, moving from Denver to Nashville, and then to Savannah during their marriage. They enjoyed all the fruits of life together but amicably divorced in 2022. They remained very close up until his death.
Tom had so many gifts. He was resourceful, smart as a whip and skilled with his hands. A quick thinker. Those qualities translated into many jobs after his Marine Corps service, including carpentry, security consulting, bio-hazard cleanup and water restoration. His work ethic in any job could not be matched. He left everything better than he found it. He was good at everything he tried. Then he found his real passion-working on and customizing motorcycles. Tom attended small engine and machine school in Denver. He wanted to be well versed in all motorcycles but had an affinity for Harley-Davidsons. He was studying at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando at the time of his death. He aspired to open his own custom motorcycle shop in Tennessee, closer to his family.
Tom had been an avid rider for many years. He said there was no greater freedom than being on his bike and feeling the wind on his face. He was passionate about two charity motorcycle clubs. First, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Club (C.V.M.A.), being active and holding officer positions in the Nashville, Denver and Savannah chapters. More recently, he began prospecting for Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Tri-County Chapter in Orlando. Tom has always been passionately involved in service to others, for many organizations. Some of the issues that were most important to him were helping victims of sex trafficking, supporting children who have been abused, aiding homeless veterans, and assisting families of veterans who died of suicide.
Tom Morton was larger than life. He was unforgettable. Not just because he was a giant teddy bear who loved a good hug, but because he was outgoing, charming, and hilarious. He was one of those rare humans that really never met a stranger. He was not only a big presence, he made a huge impact on those in his life. He was a very loyal and devoted brother, son, friend and Marine. He'd do anything for someone in need. He was a strong, compassionate leader. Tom stood up for people, rooted for the underdog and showed up for the people fortunate enough to be a part of his life. Thomas Morton was a good man through and through. He was a diamond in the rough.
He is survived by his mother, Armelle Maxey; father, Charles Morton; sister, Janine Morton; stepfather, Gary (Armelle) Maxey; stepmother, Cynthia (Charles) Morton; nephew, Ezra Elmore; former wife, Symone Morton (div); his much beloved dogs, Teddy, Otis & Stevie, and his aunts, uncles and cousins that loved him dearly. Thomas will be deeply missed by his family, Marine brothers, brothers he rode with, and his many, many friends.
His services will be held at the Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, located at 2707 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216. Visitation will be held Thursday the 11th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral service will be held Friday the 12th at 12:00pm. Burial to follow at 2:00pm sharp at the Middle Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery, located at 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221. It is a military ceremony so will be exactly 2:00pm to 2:15pm.
His celebration of life will be held also on the 12th at the Scoreboard Bar & Grille at 3:30pm, located at 2408 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN 37214.
Please, no flowers. Donations in his honor can be made to the Semper Fi & America's Fund and the Tri-County Florida Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.).
The Semper Fi & America's Fund provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The Marine Semper Fi Fund makes sure that service members have the resources they need during their recovery and throughout transition back to their communities. https://thefund.org/donate/
Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. exists to provide aid, comfort, safety, and support for children that have been sexually, physically, and emotionally abused. They work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place. They are dedicated to protecting children's right to a happy childhood. https://florida.baca world.org/tri-county-chapter/
*THIS IS THE DONATION LINK FOR TRI-STATE CHAPTER