Thomas S "Tom" Tison, 74, of Heiskell was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 27th.  What a blessing it was to be surrounded by his loving family as he passed from this life to his heavenly home. Born on July 22, 1943, he was the son of the late Edwin and Eleanor Tison of Jacksonville, Florida.

Tom was a graduate of Lees-McRae College, received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from VirginiaTech and an MBA from Florida State University. He served as Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. His years served were spent at Eglin AFB and Wright-Patterson AFB, where he helped with the A-10 Warthog airplane. When moving to East Tennessee, he and his family initially settled in Clinton and later moved to Powell. He worked for years in Oak Ridge for the Department of Energy, Y-12 and K-25. After retirement, he began writing proposals for various Oak Ridge contractors, which led him to work in New Mexico, Idaho and Texas. Following retirement, he moved to "the farm" in Heiskell and enjoyed a life he had always dreamed of.  He lived a simple life - attending church, working in the bus ministry, growing a garden, tending to the farm and serving Meals on Wheels alongside his youngest daughter Sarah.

Tom had a profound love for God, his family, church and country. As a dedicated and humble servant, he was an active member of the following church congregations: Victory Baptist Church in Beavercreek, Ohio, Temple Baptist Church in Powell, New Testament Baptist in Maynardville, Rockwell Road Baptist in Amarillo, TX, and Stillwaters Baptist Church in Knoxville.  He was known for his great dedication and love for the bus ministry and also for helping his wife, Carolyn, teach Sunday School to children in the afore mentioned churches. Tom lived out his faith and directed his love and affection to the children he would take to church each and every Sunday. This is where he found his calling. What joy it will be for him to see the lives that were touched by his service.

In his final days, his body grew weak from a battle with MDS and leukemia, but his soul was strong in the Lord and was ready to be called home.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carolyn (Horne) Tison; his son, Tom Tison and wife Christy of Knoxville; son Matthew Tison and wife Tenaya of Knapp, Wisconsin; daughter Catherine Wilkins and husband Mike of Landenberg, Pennsylvania; and daughter Sarah Tison.  Four siblings: Susan Farmer; Wayne Tison and wife Wanda, Rebecca Williams and husband Tom; and the late Arthur Tison, all of Jacksonville, Florida.  Seven grandchildren: Emalie Tison, Grey Tison, Thomas-Allan Tison, Cole Wilkins, Jonathan Tison, Dylan Wilkins and Shelton Tison.

Tom will be remembered for his great storytelling; summer family reunions St. Augustine, FL, and countless games of Rook.  He was a loyal, faithful, caring, humble, selfless man who lived his life to serve his Lord and Savior.  His greatest longing was to see people come to know the Lord as their personal Savior. It is with great certainty he stands before the Lord today, and was told, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". We are thankful to God for every moment we had with him.

Receiving of Friends and Family will be Friday, June 1 ^st , at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a Celebration Service to follow.  Private Graveside Service at East Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery will be held at a later date.