Thomas Warren Mullen

Thomas Warren Mullen, age 101, of Loudon, Tennessee, formerly of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, passed away on November 5, 2025.
Tom was born on January 27, 1924, in Starkville, Mississippi, to Willie Mark and Hortense Gladney Mullen. While attending Mississippi State University, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and proudly served his country during World War II. While still in the service, Tom met the love of his life, Frances Ann Brown, in Gadsden, Alabama. The two married in 1945 and began a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure together.
After completing his military service, Tom and Fran returned to Starkville, where he earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Mississippi State University. A devoted Bulldog fan, Tom rarely missed a televised game-especially when Mississippi State was playing. Baseball and football were his favorites, but in later years he grew to love watching the MSU women's softball and basketball teams as well.
Following graduation, Tom began his career with B.F. Goodrich, and he and Fran made their first home in Akron, Ohio. Over the years, his work took them to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Indiana, before finally returning to Tuscaloosa, where Tom retired after 32 years with the company.
Tom's love of music began early, singing around the piano with his family. He was a gifted tenor who sang in the choir at every church he attended and played the trombone well into his nineties-continuing until age 99. During his college years, he performed with the Mississippi State Marching Band and the Southern Aires, and as an adult, he played with the Dixie Downbeats and the Shelton State Band. Tom was also known for his beautiful, melodic whistling, which filled his home and brightened the days of those around him.
Tom lived by the motto "All things in moderation," a philosophy that reflected his steady nature, strong moral compass, and balanced approach to life. He modeled integrity, humility, and kindness every day, setting an example for his family and all who knew him.
He also possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, delighting others with his clever sayings-his family favorites included "Gravy ain't wavy" and other one-liners that continue to bring smiles and laughter. Tom and Fran shared a deep and enduring love until her passing in May 2013.
He is survived by his daughters Juliana Shaw (Gene), Patti Harmless (Tony), and Joy Lawson (Ben); seven grandchildren-Jenny Shaw (Philip), Michael Shaw, Mark Harmless, Andrew Harmless, Anna Harmless (Chris), Matthew Lawson, and Anne-Marie Lawson; and two great-grandsons, Sky W. Smyth and William H. Torrence.
During his fifty-three years in Tuscaloosa, Tom was a devoted member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir and served actively in church and community organizations. Volunteering with Meals on Wheels and participating in the Civitans brought him joy and purpose and kept him engaged with his community well into his later years. Known for his open-
minded and progressive outlook, Tom welcomed people of all backgrounds and beliefs with
warmth and respect. His genuine curiosity about others and his willingness to listen reflected a generosity of spirit that was as rare as it was sincere.
Tom will be remembered for his devotion to his wife and daughters, his kindness, humor, open-mindedness, and generous heart. He was a man of quiet faith who lived a long and virtuous life-one filled with music, laughter, and love.
A service celebrating Tom's life will be held at a later date.