Thomas Hilliard "Tom" Pless
Thomas Hilliard "Tom" Pless
Obituary
Guest Book
Thomas Pless Obituary
Born in Waynesville, NC, he was the son of the late Charles Hilliard and Elizabeth Mauney Pless.
Tom was the retired President and CFO of Thantex Holdings, a division of textiles. He was of the Baptist faith and a graduate of Bethel High School, class of 1960.
Tom was an avid golfer and was a former girl's Varsity basketball coach for many years at Southside Christian School. He was such a generous and kind man who loved his family dearly.
Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Sherri Pless Pitts and Christy Pless White; his five grandchildren, Madison Pitts, Grayson Thomas, Kaley, Carson and Emma Massengale; his two sisters-in-law, Vivian Cobb and Barbara Pless, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Ray Pless; and a sister, Helen Day Sommers. Tom was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
A visitation will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the Memorial Service in the Chapel at 2:00 p.m. The family will be at the residence, if friends wish to stop by.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Tom with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Leave A Message, Share A Memory" below.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Thomas "Tom" Hilliard Pless, please visit our Tribute Store.
People and places connected with Thomas
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
4 Entries
Bill Rhodarmer
January 21, 2024
Tom and I were born about 100 yards ( and two months) apart in 1942. We started and finished school together at Bethel. He moved away, but I stayed put. Sometime in the last 30 years of so, Tom set up a golf foursome with Bonner, Zane, and myself and we played at least once a year when Tom was in Maggie with his time share. Sometimes we played other courses as well. And Tom once said that he told someone he knew that he was playing golf with three guys that he had started to school with and the guy could hardly believe him. But through Tom's set-up, our bonds lasted until his death.
Tom was a decent straight-shooter who lived an honorable life. As Bonner said, we will miss him.
My condolences to his family.
Bill Rhodarmer.
Fred Rogers
January 17, 2024
Tommy was my second cousin and best friend growing up. We were in the same class in school and spent 12 years together at Bethel - along with other dear friends. We spent an immense amount of time together.
Tommy was extraordinary: extremely personable, a fine athlete, and voted most attractive guy in our senior class. What I recall most vividly about him was his love for and devotion to Gail. He fell in love with her before high school and his love never wavered. He was always proud of his family.
My sincere condolences to Sherri, Christy, and his extended family. I know you will miss him; but, rest assured that he knew Christ as his personal savior and that we will all see him again.
Bonner York
January 17, 2024
Tom was a good friend for many years, from first grade through high school, and the friendship continued throughout the years. We enjoyed playing golf together with other high school friends. Tom will be missed, and always remembered. Sincere condolences to the family.
Bonner York
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Pless's name
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Pless's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored