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Thomas Wells Obituary
Kingston, TN
Thomas E. Wells, age 74 of Kingston, formerly of Knoxville and Nashville, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tom was an active young man, he was out-going, athletic and a natural born leader. He excelled in numerous sports at Cohn High School, setting and breaking records, and again in college at Georgia Tech as a Field Goal kicker under Coach Bobby Dodd. He also enjoyed a brief career with the AFL Dallas Texans (now known as Kansas City Chiefs) and had the privilege of assisting Coach Bill Pace at Vanderbilt University working with the Kicking Team.
Tom had the honor of being inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments. Tom also excelled in the world of business. Employed with Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) for 26 years he served as District Vice President where he motivated and mentored an endless number of people in the waste management industry. Tom also spent 5 years on staff with the Waste Management Company until his health forced him into early retirement.
Tom squeezed every moment out of his life, his heart was huge and compassionate. His desire was to help anyone in need and his love for animals and their welfare was also very evident. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren, and he leaves many people behind that have been touched by his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlis and Cornelia (Reeves) Wells; sister, Barbara and brother, Pete Wells; and his faithful companion, "Duke".
His survivors include his devoted wife of 21 years, Patricia Fraker Wells; children and spouses, Thomas Gregory Wells (Marilyn). Waxhaw, NC, Sharon Wells Styles, Knoxville, Timothy Michael Wells (Amy), Franklin, TN, Wendy Wells Newton (Henry), Knoxville and Jennifer Wells Lemons (Brandon), Knoxville; mother of his children, Emily Nannette Wells, Knoxville; grandchildren, Amber, Justin, Thomas, John, Patrick, Haley, Matthew, Christopher, Michael, Andrew and Jack; great-grandchild, Oliver and soon to be born, Samuel Thomas; brother, Edward Wells, Fairview, TN; sisters, Margaret Netterville, and Dorthea Daugherty (Robert), all of Nashville, beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of very special friends, including Greer Courly Tidwell, Gary Shaver, Bobby Strickland, Ferrel Owen, Jerry Harris, Barry Marshall, Ferd Trost, John King, Jim Nicholson; Cohn High Class of '57, former employees and coworkers.
Tom's family and friends will celebrate his life during a reception from 1 - 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15th at the Carmichael Event Center, 600 Hackberry St., Loudon, TN. An additional celebration will be held in Nashville, TN from 2 - 5 (with speakers at 4) on Saturday, March 22nd at the Cohn High Alumni Center, Elkins Avenue Entrance.
Contributions in memory of Tom Wells may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or by visiting www.lbda.org to assist in studying this debilitating illness or to the Southeastern German Shepherd Rescue Group, PO Box 547, Morrisville, NC, 27560 or by visiting online www.sgsr.rescuegroups.org.
McGill-Karnes Funeral Home, Loudon (865) 458-2262. www.mcgillkarnes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Wells
Kelly White (Brooks)
April 16, 2014
Patti, I am just hearing of Tom's passing. I am so very sorry for you and your families loss. I am sure there is a large void without him. Loved his strength as he played a huge role in who I am today. And, I will never forget his "dego cabbage(sp?)". God Speed Tom.
Ferd & Vickie Trost
March 31, 2014
Patty and Family,
We will miss Tommy and his great sense of humor. He was a great man who loved life. Ferd had a great respect for Tommy and knew he was the one that got him his big start in the Trash Business. Love and Miss him!
Melissa Hardin
March 26, 2014
I just found out about Uncle Tommy today. When I was a little girl he was one of my favorite people in the world. He was so funny and always made everyone laugh. I'll never forget him bringing a pork butt up to the hospital when grandma had her heart surgery. He was the life of the party and I will never forget him.
March 21, 2014
Patti and Family, I just today found out about Tom's passing and was extremely sorry to receive that devastating news. I worked for Tom several years back at BFI and every day was an adventure. I learned to love and respect this man in more ways than I can even articulate. Additionally, he taught me so many things about the business world and I'll never forget his saying, "don't worry about the small things." His energy for life was contagious. I am really sorry that I lost touch many years back and am so sorry to hear of his passing. The world has lost a truly amazing man. I will always consider it a privilege to have known him.
Pam Ingram-Witt
Leon Mathews
March 20, 2014
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF TOM'S PASSING. I WORKED WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS AT BFI
Traci Long
March 20, 2014
Sharon,My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.
Kristen Austin
March 18, 2014
Wendy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. No words can comfort the loss of a parent but know your dad will continue to be with you in many ways.
Glen Baggett
March 17, 2014
Mr Tommy Wells is my friend. I had the pleasure of having in my life for only a few years. The overwhelming thing that stood out with me....
he loved life and his family. He was a great story teller and love the concept of competition on the athletic field.
My friend may you rest in peace. As a great writer once said "There are two ways to shine the light, be the candle or the mirror that reflects it "....Tommy you were the candle.
Shirley Bright
March 16, 2014
Patty, I don't know what to say except a few things. Toms death has really bothered me and I have thought about it a lot. Tom was a wonderful man…a good and decent man. Tom was many things to many people, but one common denominator is that he was everyones friend…a person they could count on if need be. Tom cared about people and he was genuine. Very few people come into our lives with the character that Tom had. All I can say is "Well done Tom". To me, Patti, Tom lived his life like we all want to, but we fall short in doing so. Tom never did fall short. God Bless You Patti. My prayers are with you
Mark and Karen Young
March 16, 2014
Greg Sorry to hear about your Dad I always enjoyed being around him. He was a hoot my Dad thought a lot of him They were a lot a like I feel. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Justin Scott
March 15, 2014
Thank you for all the kind words and thoughts. My grandfather is smiling down on all of us! I love you paw- paw!
Dee Thomas
March 15, 2014
You are in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time Patti.
Nannette Wells
March 15, 2014
Tom was an outstanding man. He was one to help the other person and enjoyed doing what he could Tom was respected and loved by all that knew him. He loved his children and grandchildren and they loved him dearly. All who knew him will have great memories they will cherish. We are certainly going to miss Tom.
Patty rogers
March 15, 2014
Patti I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and all family members.
Lee and Terry Beeler
March 15, 2014
Terry and I are sadden to hear of your dear Tom's passing. May God give you peace and comfort in your wonderful memories till the day of your reunion!
Ann Miller Chory
March 15, 2014
In my thoughts and prayers, Patti...
Dena and Ray Pickney
March 15, 2014
Our condolences go out to such a wonderful family. The memories of him will always fill your hearts with happiness and joy. God Bless you Wells family.
Lori Reeves Rutledge
March 14, 2014
I just found out about Tommy's death & my love & prayers go out to each one of you. I have many fond memories of spending the summer of 1982 with y'all & how much fun it was! Please call me if you can. I'm in Texas & # is 936-522-8618. Love y'all!
Sandy Parnell
March 14, 2014
Just the greatest guy ever. Everyone loved him. He was a wild and crazy guy but he was our wild and crazy guy.
ROSE HAZLEWOOD
March 14, 2014
SO SORRY OF THE DEATH OF TOMMY ,HE WAS A VERY NICE YOUNG MAN AND LOVED BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM
Jodie Allen
March 14, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brenda Henson
March 14, 2014
Tim, I am saddened to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Bob Durdin
March 14, 2014
God Bless
Allen Lawrence
March 14, 2014
Patti and family,
We who played football with Tommy at Cohn High School have many fond memories of those good old days.
Our deepest sympathies to the Wells family, especially Tom's brother, Eddie.
Jeff Peterson
March 14, 2014
Tim, I am saddened to hear of your loss and impressed by how much your father accomplished in his life. I was also moved by how well you spoke of him and the kindness he imparted to others. Your family is in our family's thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Moore
March 13, 2014
With love and prayers!
Katie Loftin
March 13, 2014
Jennifer and Wendy, I am so sorry about the passing of your father. Praying for Gods loving arms to comfort you both. May you have joy in the many wonderful memories you shared with your precious father.
Donald Greene
March 13, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He will be greatly missed! Tom was the most well respected man and the best leader an employee could work for, which luckily I had the opportunity to do for several years at BFI.
Marcus, Elizabeth and Sam Woodworth
March 13, 2014
Mrs. Newton, you and your family are in our prayers.
March 13, 2014
DEAR PATTI,
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND TOM'S FAMILY. JAN FAY
March 13, 2014
Patti, I did not know your husband but he must have been a remarkable man. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 13, 2014
Patti, We will be praying for you and the family. Tommy always had a kind of sparkle in his eyes you'd see in a little kid and you knew it was going to be fun just to be around him. We will all miss that light in our lives. Alan & Nancy
March 13, 2014
Patti
My husband did work at your home a few years ago .We are so sorry
Carl and Diane Baty
Sandy Marshall
March 13, 2014
A mighty oak has gone from this natural earth but has spring forth to the heavens. He will be missed by many and was loved by all. Loved this man like a father. So sad to see him gone but never forgotten
Cathy Scott
March 13, 2014
Patti, So sorry for you loss. May there be some peace in knowing the pain is over and God's love is all around Tom now.
Sara Sizemore
March 13, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, Patti. He finished well and you are a part of that legacy. Hugs, Mark & Sara Sizemore
Mark Albury
March 13, 2014
To my cousins my heart goes out to you.
Barbara Hall
March 13, 2014
Patti, So sorry for your loss praying for you and the family. May God bless and comfort each one of you.
Margie Wolfe
March 13, 2014
Patti, I was so saddened to hear of Tom's passing..I know he is at peace and once again reunited with his family and his faithful Duke. My thoughts are with you during this time of his life's celebration and reflection. You have been so dedicated in love, support and care.
Anita Long
March 13, 2014
Nannette, Sharon, Wendy and Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Please know that I am praying for you all during this difficult time. I hope that you will take comfort in knowing that you now have a guardian angel watching over you.
Anjel Griffey
March 13, 2014
Wendy, I was sadden to learn of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Remember, "earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." May God surround you with His grace and comfort. Much love to you, Jennifer and your mom. God's care and blessings to the family.
Bill Chimley
March 13, 2014
Our prayers and condolences go out to the Wells family. Our children went through Bearden High School with Wendy and Jennifer and we enjoyed the company of Tom and Nannette. Tom will be in our prayers. Bill and Sharron Chimley Knoxville, TN
Wendy Newton
March 13, 2014
Love you forever Daddy.
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