Dr. Tom Naylor
1938 - 2017
Dr. Tom Naylor
1938 - 2017
Obituary
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Tom Naylor Obituary
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Jim Brooks
February 14, 2024
Tom Naylor was an outstanding professional, administrator, and colleague. He and I worked together closely from the early days of the establishment of the Governor's School for the Arts. He was a gifted and fair leader who did a wonderful job dealing with the often challenging duties of directing the 300 or so talented teenagers who attended the School for the Arts. Through his leadership, the Governor's School was given a strong and stable foundation and was a great success in offering leaning experiences for its yearly summer students.
In addition to working with Tom in the Governor's School, I worked closely with him as a neighboring department chair in Speech and Theatre, as well as relying heavily on his advice and friendship during the brief time when I served as interim director of the School of Music. Tom was a wonderful colleague and I shall always be grateful for his help, advice, and friendship.
Tom was a kind, well-meaning, and gifted man who held high standards for himself, his colleagues, and the many students whose lives he enriched.
Laurence & Marianna Harvin
February 28, 2017
We are deeply saddened to learn of Tom's death. He was indeed a special man and will be missed.
Dauna Henggeler
February 26, 2017
My fondest memories of Tom are from the Baptist Church in New Plymouth where we all grew up. He was always a very nice kind person. A true Christian in every sense of the word. The world will miss him forever. The world needs more people like him.
Kathy Bechler
February 26, 2017
AJ and Michelle, I'm so sorry to read this. May your memories bring you comfort.
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Steve Dawson
February 25, 2017
The neighborhood wouldn't be what it was without Tom's smile and wave. You are in my heart forever, Tom. My thoughts and prayers to Dottie and the family.
Ron Sutton
February 25, 2017
What a wonderful account of a life dedicated to music and the Lord! Please note that the Sutton family in Minnesota is praying for you as you treasure your life memories with Tom Naylor! For sure he is leading the music in Heaven now! Ron and Verna Sutton
Ron Limbaugh
February 24, 2017
An electronic farewell to you, old friend
Noel and Connie sorenson
February 24, 2017
Blessings to Dottie and family. Tommy's death was a shock as we had just emailed each other and I thought he was on the road to recovery. We were lifetime friends. My wife Connie attended the same church as him and he sometimes gave her a ride to youth Bible Study while in high school. I met Tommy when I was 5 and he was 4. We lived on farms a mile apart and as was the custom back then, farmers exchanged work. Tommy and I played while our fathers worked.
Gary Holt
February 24, 2017
Dear Dottie and family: I'm sorry for your loss but glad for Tom. Tom taught a Bible class for college students in the mid 70's that I attended. He was so encouraging to me in my walk with our Lord over so many years. I will miss him.
Ron Malone
February 24, 2017
...such a kind and wonderful man. Dr. Naylor will always be fondly remembered by his MTSU family. I'm so glad that our paths crossed in this life.
Kathy Jones
February 24, 2017
So sorry to hear about Dr. Naylor's passing. Condolences to the family.
Renee Crenshaw
February 23, 2017
Recently I saw Dr Naylor while he was in rehab. I am so glad we saw each other. Over the years he was most gracious. I met him while taking some classes at MTSU. The same gentle manner was still there. My condolences to the family
Jim & Rebecca Brooks
February 23, 2017
Dr. Naylor was a fine person. He served his school, college, and university with distinction. His leadership was characterized by unquestioned integrity, insight, good humor, and a strong sense of fairness. His colleagues and hundreds of students will always remember the example he set and the benefits they received from having known and worked with him.
Andrea Loughry
February 23, 2017
Dottie and family,
So sad to learn of Tom's passing. I thought he was improving. From MTSU and Campus School to Central Magnet with our grandchildren, our lives have been enriched by his bright smile
Andrea Loughry and family
David Spencer
February 23, 2017
Sad to hear of the passing of Tom Naylor, a colleague & friend who was instrumental in the forming & directing the Governor's School for the Arts. In all aspects, Tom was always a capable leader and a gentleman who was loved by all We will miss him..
Pauline Moore
February 22, 2017
Dear Dottie and Family~
Our love and prayers are there...what great admiration our family (John and Fannie Powel) always had for you and Tom at College Heights Chapel.
Love and Blessings~
Jim and Pauline Powel Moore & Family
Jeff Phillips
February 22, 2017
One of the many things that Dr. Naylor taught me was the correct length to tie my necktie; the tip just slightly below the belt buckle. To this day it has to be done like that or I just start over! Always first class guy!
Carl Morrow
February 22, 2017
I went to MTSU during the late '60s, but I remember Tom Naylor as being an excellent professor of music. RIP!
February 22, 2017
A message of sympathy from friends of "long ago"--Rob and Eileen Mansfield. How much we loved our fellowship at College Heights Chapel in the early 70's...with Tom leading the music and Dottie at the piano. Rob left for heaven in 2014 and will be there to greet Tom.
Love, Eileen, Merrilee and Rob, Jr.
Cheryl Irvin Beasley
February 22, 2017
On behalf of the staff and volunteers of Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, I extend our deepest sympathies on Tom's passing.
We have been Blessed with his Joy of the Lord, shown to each of us during his service as a Volunteer. His ever present smile; his words of encouragement to everyone he encountered, and his dedication to his ministry of Hospitality Coffee Service was a Blessing to our patients and their families. He will be greatly missed and remembered with love and respect.
Carolyn Forrest
February 22, 2017
Dear Dottie, David, Michele and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's love and the love of your family and friends comfort you in your sorrow. May God bless you with his peace and be with you is our prayer.
With Love,
Jack and Carolyn Forrest and Family
Fran Gebuhr
February 22, 2017
Your family is in my heart and thoughts....with deepest sympathy.
Brian Lamkin
February 21, 2017
Our deepest sympathies on Dr. Naylor's passing. A man of faith and integrity, and a mentor to me. I will truly miss him. It was a special time to be able to talk with him just one week ago. Our prayers are with Mrs. Naylor and the family. Brian & Priscilla Lamkin
Michael Parkinson
February 21, 2017
On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of the MTSU School of Music, I extend our deepest sympathies on Tom's passing. A gentle and kind man, his impact on our lives will continue for many years. Play on, Tom!
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