Thomas "Tommy" Boren

1942 - 2024

HORN LAKE, MS - Thomas W. (Tommy) Boren of Horn Lake, MS, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Methodist LeBonheur Germantown Hospital, three days before his 82nd birthday. A celebration of his life was held on Saturday, July 27th beginning at noon at the home of Tommy and Reda Boren. (5555 Jordan Drive, Horn Lake, MS 38637). We want to celebrate Tommy with the things he loved most - a fun day filled with socializing and sharing a meal with family and friends while surrounded by as many hot rods/antique cars as his four acres will hold.

Tommy was born on July 16, 1942 in Memphis, TN but was raised in the Springville community in Pontotoc County, Mississippi where his grandfather "Daddy Joe" Gregory taught him many life lessons that Tommy then passed on to countless others. Tommy talked about Daddy Joe until his last day on earth, and it brings comfort knowing they are together while basking in God's presence.

Tommy went to work for South Central Bell in 1965 and retired in 1991 as the Director of Motor Vehicles for West Tennessee. After retiring from the "phone company," he worked for NSA (National Safety Associates) for five years at which point he happily decided it was time to spend his days in his basement working on hot rods and antique cars. Tommy was one of the founding members of the Memphis Street Rods, and he was named Rodder of the Year in 2021. He was a genius with his hands; he could make anything and fix anything. His advice and assistance were constantly sought out, and he readily gave it.

Tommy married his high school sweetheart, Reda McGreger, and they enjoyed a marriage that lasted just one month shy of 62 years. It is difficult to express just how fiercely protective Tommy was of his family. His family came first, period. His wife, their two children, and their grandchildren were what he loved most in this world.

Tommy could aptly be described as the most loveable grouch you could possibly meet, hence the grandkids, at times, affectionately calling him "Grumpy Ole' Paw Paw." As intimidating as he could be to someone meeting him for the first time; in truth, there was so much more to him than that first impression. He was wise, generous, and incredibly loyal. An early example of Tommy's generosity extended to the kids in the neighborhood, often Greg's friends, who learned how to work on cars in Mr. Tommy's garage. Tommy commanded respect, and over the years, many people came to him for advice - the one catch was that those who asked had better be prepared to hear the frank, unvarnished truth because that's what they got.

He loved working on cars with his son, Greg and being the best girl-dad to his daughter, Heather. He imparted countless lessons to his children and to his grandchildren. He loved his wife dearly and sort of liked her dog. He loved boiled peanuts, mayonnaise, making cars for his children and grandchildren, and listening to Fox News with the volume hovering between 50 and 100, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Nell Boren and Herman Wakley Boren. He is survived by his wife, Reda Ellen Boren of Horn Lake, MS; son, Greg Boren (Julie) of Olive Branch, MS; daughter, Heather Boren Joyner (Clay) of Pontotoc, MS; brother, Richard Boren (Nancy) of Athens, TN; granddaughter, Georgia Boren (Anna Leigh) of Olive Branch, MS; grandsons, Cole Boren (Madison) of Olive Branch, MS and Colin Joyner of Pontotoc, MS; and nephews, Brett Boren (Rebecca) of Harvest, AL and Dr. Kyle Boren (Courtney) of Greenville, TN.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Al Chymia Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, 8220 Highway 64, Oakland, TN 38060 (www.alchymiashrine.org) or to the charity of your choice (He particularly liked charities that helped children.)

Online condolences may be made on his tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeob.com.