Dr. Thomas L. "Tom" Warren

1935 - 2025

Dr. Thomas "Tom" L. Warren

October 27, 1935 - December 31, 2025

Dr. Thomas "Tom" L. Warren, of Hickory, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 31, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandparent, doctor and friend and was 90 years old. Tom was born on October 27, 1935 in Tallassee, Alabama to the late Curtis Lamar Warren and Grace Caldwell Warren. He is survived by his devoted wife, Deanna "Dee" Goble Warren; loving children, Michael Warren, Amy Warren Helton and husband, Tony, Anneli Warren Kirby and husband, Jimmie, Daniel Pennell, Christi Pennell Taylor and husband, David. He has 10 grandchildren and welcomed 1 great-granddaughter this past year.

Tom spent his lifetime serving, educating and sharing his faith in Jesus' love with others- leaving a legacy of health and compassion that continues to inspire those who knew him. He is remembered for his kindness, humor, friendship, generosity and love of the great outdoors. He enjoyed fly-fishing for trout, camping, backpacking, golf, reading and beekeeping.

Before graduating from Tallassee High school, he was elected to Boy's State and achieved the Eagle Scout award, both of which instilled a desire to lead and serve. He attended Auburn University followed by the University of Alabama and was recognized with multiple honors including the Outstanding Senior award in 1963.

Tom proudly served his country as Captain in the United States Air Force at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi until 1966 when he went to finish his residency with Emory University at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. In 1969, he started a private group practice in Obstetrics and Gynocology in Atlanta, then moved to Hickory, NC in 1970. He began Catawba OB-GYN practice and worked at Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center until June 2001. In 1990, Tom was Chief of Staff at Catawba Valley Medical Center. He taught at Wake Forest University 2000-2001, where he received the Outstanding Faculty-Teaching Award. He was a contributing member of numerous Medical Societies. He was a loved and respected doctor in the Hickory area for 32 years.

Faith and service were central elements in his life. As a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Hickory, Tom was a Deacon and a Bible Study/ Sunday School teacher for 40+ years as well as serving on various committees. He served on the Board of Trustees at Gardner- Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC for 5 terms. Tom was a life long member and supporter of Boy Scouts of America. He did camp health exams, mentoring, was on the Executive Committee Piedmont Council of Gastonia 30+ years, a Silver Beaver Award recipient and an Eagle Honoree. Tom attended Northern Tier, Florida Seabase and Philmont, New Mexico earning his "Triple Crown". He was an involved member of the Hickory Kiwanis Club for 38 years and enjoyed participating in "Terrific Kids" as well as annual fundraising. Tom worked with Cooperative Christian Health Clinics in Hickory from 1998 until recently. Missions were also important in his life both locally and foreign. He served in Mexico, Zimbabwe, Africa, Forteleza, Brazil, Azua, Dominican Republic, Lima, Peru and 9 trips to Honduras.

His passion in retirement, as many recall, was to communicate/educate and impart knowledge of preventative nutrition and healthy lifestyles. He researched and purchased books to educate others and led numerous lectures and presentations to churches, civic clubs and people he would meet for the purpose of improving their lives. Tom sought to make a difference in people's lives wherever he went. Patients, friends, colleagues and acquaintances remember him for his compassion, prayers and blessings.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the people at Trinity Village for their loving care and sincere kindness for Tom and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Hickory Scholarship fund, 339 2nd Ave. NW Hickory, NC 28601.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hickory, NC. A receiving of friends and family will be held one hour prior to the service from 1 to 2:00 p.m. The family will have a private inurnment.

Bass-smith Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Dr. Thomas "Tom" L. Warren.