I didn't know my great-grandfather very well personally. I knew him best through my family members, who often reported on his strong willed nature and his independence. He is well known to me as a man who did just exactly what he set his mind to... and I'll always be proud to be descended from someone who had such a will to live and enjoy life. I never saw pictures of him as a young man until the funeral, and I wish I had. Now in every picture of him, instead of seeing the old man who asked me strange questions (and gave me even stranger answers) in every picture of him I see a bright and bubbling young man peaking through in his face.

A Memory of Uncle Tom Yow

As a young girl, my family lived outside the city limits.  
There were creeks, woodlands, meadows, and our neighbor’s horses grazing in a nearby pasture.   With all of this natural beauty, came the dreaded poison ivy.

One weekend, Uncle Tom, came for a family visit.  I told him about the poison ivy that was on the ground, and even climbing the trees.  I showed him my arms and legs, itching and covered with poison ivy blisters.   

Uncle Tom told me he wasn’t allergic to poison ivy, and would prove it to me.  Much to my surprise he walked over to the nearest tree with a poison ivy vine, grabbed a hand full of ivy leaves and proceeded to eat them as if they were a tasty summer salad.  In fact, he went back for seconds, and then thirds!   I was horrified, and feared his throat would swell shut, and his insides would begin oozing and soon look like my arms and legs.   He laughed and reassured me all would be fine.  

He was on my mind for several days.  Finally, I had to know.  I called to check on him - he was OK (not even any indigestion), and was as cheerful as ever!   Right then and there I decided I would never doubt Thomas again!

Dianne, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and the family.

I really only got to know Mr. Yow in his last days. I enjoyed chatting with him in the mornings and listening to all those stories he had to tell. I will miss him, but will continue to be there for the family.

Peace to Mr. Yow and All of the Family as you all say goodbye to your Father and Grandfather.

Joanna

I remember Thomas,s dad Uncle Carl. He used to cut my hair as a boy. He was my dads uncle. I remember Hadley, carl J. and Hinkel. Thomas was in service. I am Cletus w.Yow jr. My regards to the family.

My Great Grandfather Yow was an amazing man.  He was independent and courageous in every aspect of his life.  He was a generous and hardworking man who never left your side without giving you something to think about, or a story to pass on. He had a way of challenging me learn and achieve. I remember him telling me to “think about my thoughts.”  I will miss him very much.

Dianne, Mikell and I are thinking of all of you. If you need anything, just let us know!

Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I met your father one time and he was a joy to talk to that day. Just know that he is home and now has his wings. Williams Medical Equipment

Grandpa Yow was one of the most interesting people I have ever met.  He was intelligent, independent and funny.  He had the open mind of a teenager combined with patriarchal wisdom.  I am so grateful that he welcomed me into his family just 8 years ago and I will miss him very much.

In a day when girls were expected to cook & sew, he gave me a hammer, saw, nails and a pile of wood & said if you need a doghouse, build one. He always assumed I could figure out life and do whatever was required. He taught us the work ethic, loyalty, responsibility, and to cherish family roots. He taught us to dream and to accomplish. He had spectacular lifelong close calls with death too numerous to count which are the stuff of family legends, yet passed peacefully in his chair at home, still holding a valid driver's license at 93 and cherishing every day of his life (and every meal!). He had more words  than any one person could possibly say, and somewhere he has an angel by the elbow, and is telling one of his never-ending stories. It's going to be mighty quiet around here; we'll miss you Dad.

OBITUARY

Thomas Tom Byron Yow Sr.

19 March, 1918 – 14 August, 2011

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home & Guilford Memorial Park

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