Thomas "Tom" Lee Thornton

Tom will be remembered as a lover of history and, in particular, the family history of the Taylors of Tabernacle. His knowledge of this history, much of which only he knew, was extensive and will be greatly missed. His ability to recount stories passed down to him and to uncover new ones was valued by the whole family. His passion for the family’s history extended to the 1846 Virginia plantation plain-style house that he moved by trailer in 1981 from Belle Eagle to its current resting spot on Tabernacle Road. He spent much of his life restoring the home in a way that respected its history and architectural origins while bringing it into the current era. At his home, he was a master gardener and taught himself the arts of woodworking and carpentry. Tom was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and enjoyed cheering on his alma mater’s football team, as well as his son’s alma mater, Ole Miss. He leaves behind and is preceded by a long list of friends with whom he made many cherished memories during his lifetime.

Tom is survived by his son, Thomas “Walker” Thornton (Dannon), Knoxville, TN; his brother, William Perkins “Perk” Thornton Jr. (Bettye), Clarkrange, TN; and his sister, Elaine Thornton Lee (Jack), Brownsville, TN. He is preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Perkins Thornton Sr. and Anne Mae Pippin Thornton.

Funeral services for Tom will be on Saturday, October 21 at 12:00 PM in Tabernacle Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Tabernacle Methodist Church. Flowers can be sent to Tabernacle Methodist Church, or memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the Tabernacle Cemetery Foundation, c/o Betsy Thornton, 57 Old Hwy 19, Brownsville, TN 38012 or Tabernacle Campground Association c/o Suzanna Martinez, 770 Ross Rd., Brownsville, TN 38012.  All services and arrangements are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.