On February 24, 2021, Bishop Thomas Carl Huskey left his earthly body to gather with the saints in Heaven. He was an adored and cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, surrogate father, pastor, and friend. A man of gentle strength and calm resiliency, Tom was known for his kindness, compassion, and generosity of spirit. He knew no strangers, and he valued every person he met. Anyone who spent just a few moments with him understood that his life was a living testament to his faith.
Tom could comfort the broken-hearted with poignant yet pragmatic analogies, and his certainty and convictions soothed the most troubled hearts and minds. He was also known for his quick wit, his love of a well-timed joke, and his ability to find joy in the daily events of life. Tom loved gospel music, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Brook Benton, Sam Cooke, reading, writing about the love of Jesus, UT football, the Lady Vols, and gathering with his family. He loved a well-made suit, a pristinely polished pair of shoes, and a flourishing pocket square.
After graduating from Powell High School in 1956, Tom embarked on a journey to radio broadcasting school in Nashville. While working in the industry and serving in the National Guard, he began his ministry as a Sunday School teacher, a deacon, and a youth pastor. Bishop Huskey served as a pastor from 1972-2018.
Tom was preceded in death by father Thomas Welcome Huskey in 1948 and mother Flora Mae (Smith) Huskey in 1999. He is survived by best friend and loving wife of 61 years Phyllise (Sellers) Huskey; children Julie Essenburg, Kristin Huskey, Rebecca Erin Lowe and spouse Rufus Lowe, William Huskey and spouse Claudia Huskey; grandchildren Ashley Russell and spouse John Russell, Olivia Lowe, Ellen Lowe, Jordan Lowe, Deidre Lowe, Liam Huskey, and Jack Huskey; and great-grandchildren Katie Russell, Ben Russell, Elizabeth Russell, and Maggie Russell.
The family has received many expressions of sympathy and condolences from parishioners, friends, and those who Tom mentored throughout life. We are grateful for the love they have expressed for him. Among Tom’s closest friends are John Edgar Rhyne – whom he met on the school bus in 2nd Grade, and Bishop Terry Bowden who friendship dates to their early pastorates in Maine. As a young pastor, Tom was mentored by Bishop Emerson Abbott. Upon returning to Knoxville, he shared a ministerial role with longtime family friend Pastor Tammy Panky. In recent years, Tom continued his ministry under the encouraging leadership of Bishop Mitchell Corder.
We would like to express our appreciation to Pam Clark, Rose Sadoski, Gary Simpson, and Sabrina Williams for the supportive roles they have played in the last year of Tom’s life.
Graveside services to celebrate Mr. Huskey will be at Two Thirty the afternoon of Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. We request that those in attendance wear a face covering and observe recommended social distancing. Pallbearers will be William Thomas Huskey, Rufus Lowe, Jordan Lowe, Paul McCachren, Jason Van Auken and Nathan Ostrander. Please leave thoughts and messages on Mr. Huskey's page of our website to be included in his "Life Remembered Book".
The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Alive Hospice of Middle Tennessee.
Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129, 615-893-2742.
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