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Thomas Tapp Obituary
He was born Feb. 3, 1951, in Springfield, and was a 1969 graduate of Roane County High School. At the age of 30, he was called into the ministry, pastoring Daysville Baptist Church, Orchard View Baptist Church, Faith Baptist Church and Oral Baptist Church. Thom was a dedicated family man, full of compassion and commitment for his family and friends. Most important to him was his love for Jesus Christ, and his mission in life was to make sure everyone he came in contact with came to know Jesus as he did. Thom was a person of high principles and great integrity with strong convictions. He was a renowned cartoonist and syndicated through Baptist Press. His cartoons have been used around the world. He was the author of several books published with his artwork. The Rev. Thom felt humor was a gift from God, as the Scripture states, "A merry heart doeth good as a medicine." He was also an archeologist, astronomer and photographer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Gerald Tapp.
Survivors include loving wife of 45 years, Gail McGuffin Tapp of Kingston; children, Thomas Robert "Bobby" Tapp and wife Melissa of Oak Ridge, Heather Tapp of Oak Ridge, and Gerald Aaron Tapp and wife Beth of Oak Ridge; precious mother, Jean Tapp of Rockwood; grandchildren, Alex Tapp and Jason Tapp of Columbia, Kaitlyn Tapp of Crossville, Austin Tapp and J.T. Hopper of Oak Ridge; sisters, Carol Evans and husband Ken of Rockwood, and Brenda Lawrence and husband Jimmy of Harriman; sisters-in-law, Kaye McGuffin of Oliver Springs, and Janet Baucom and husband Terry of Oak Ridge; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends; close friends, the Rev. Kim Allen and Mike Chadwell.
The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at First Baptist Church in Kingston, with funeral service following at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Kim Allen officiating. Graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at New Midway Baptist Church Cemetery. Online register book can be signed at www.FrakerFuneralHome.net. Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tapp
Laura Eiche
June 16, 2016
I will remember Brother Thom very fondly as a devoted and loving husband, father, and pastor. His teachings helped lead me to the Lord and he baptised me. I pray for peace and comfort for Gail, Heather and all who loved Thom.
June 13, 2016
So very sorry about Brother Thom, may the Holy Sprit of our Loving
God bring you comfort and peace. Our love and prayers for your
Family. Jim and Geri Bell
John Sisson
June 13, 2016
Rev Thom Tapp. My Preacher most of my childhood at Orchard View. He baptised me. Such a good Godly man. His teachings still guide me in raising my girls. He will be missed by so many. God Bless. Thoughts and prayers for family and many friends..
Darlene Bowers-Prewitt
June 13, 2016
So sorry for your loss Heather,Brenda, Carol and Ms. Jean, also to the rest of Thom's family. Brenda, Carol and Ms. Jean were good neighbors who lived behind us growing up in Harriman. May God give you peace and understanding during this time.
June 12, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you. Russ and Wanda Limburg
Ollie Matheson
June 12, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Amanda Dotson
June 12, 2016
While I know you all will miss Thom immensely, I am happy to know that he is now with our Lord and those gone before him. I have been praying for Thom and the family and I will continue to pray for all of you to have strength and faith in the coming days, weeks and months. God bless!
Julie evans
June 12, 2016
Wishing all of the Tapp family ,happy memories and peacefulness through this difficult time. Hugs and prayers of comfort for all. love, Julie and Jeff Evans
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