Thomas C. Love

Thomas C. Love, 77, founder and president of Stainless Piping Materials, died peacefully at 4:20 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2011. He was known as "Tom" by associates and friends, and "Buddy" by family and relatives. He was born in Webster County, Miss., graduated from Coffeeville High School and was a proud alumnus of Mississippi State University. Tom served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He attended Bethany World Prayer Center and was a member of the Capital Area Bee Keepers Association. Preceding him in death were his parents, Tom and Noralee Love; and sister, Peggy Love Bruce. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Montez Hooper Love; stepson, Tony Harper; granddaughters, Iris, Michele and Maggie, all of Carrollton, Texas; sisters, Billye L. Hise, Baton Rouge, and June Love Jung and Bonnie Love Peterson, both of Houston; brother, Jeff W. Love, Woodstock, Ga.; nine nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves David A. Hatcher, whom he mentored and was a father figure to. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday from 4 p.m. until a religious service at 7 p.m. Graveside service at Clarkson Cemetery in Clarkson, Miss., on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tom was a warm, caring and generous person who had a positive influence on young and old alike.