Tom served his Lord as a pastor and a pastor to pastors through the ministry he established, IgniteUS, Inc., in several states and countries around the world. He grew up on the shores of Lake Erie, the son of Howard John and Leora Marjorie Fillinger, and joined the U.S. Navy upon graduation from high school, proudly serving in the Cuban Missile Crisis. His Northern Ohio roots made him an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns, and a loyal Ohio State Buckeyes fan. His greatest passion was his Lord, Jesus Christ and he served him with an intensity and urgency that left no doubt for anyone who met him that his faith was genuine.
He was also passionate about the love of his life, Peggy Jean Coleman Fillinger. During 60 plus years of marriage, she was his constant companion and supporter. They were loving parents to three children: Roderick H. Fillinger (Cyndi), Dr. Eric B. Fillinger (Julie) and Dorinda Louise Fillinger Mitchell (Jeff). His grandchildren will miss hiking in Harbison Forest with him, having screaming contests in his car, and singing “Get Over It!” But he discipled them well to love the Lord and their families.
Rod and Cyndi’s family: Emily Claire Fillinger, Dr. Meghan Elise Fillinger (Dr. Andrew Durkee), Elisabeth Sara Fillinger, Abigail Joy Fillinger, Reagan Madeleine Fillinger, and Gabrielle Hannah Fillinger
Eric and Julie’s family: Nicholas Lee Fillinger, whom Tom joins in heaven; Andrew Thomas Fillinger
Dorinda and Jeff’s family: Bailey Danielle Mitchell Staal (Michael), Alexandra Valentine Mitchell, Jacob Luke Mitchell (Mariah), Samuel Justice Mitchell, Seth Reagan Mitchell
Tom’s sisters: Barbara Ann Fillinger Poloni (Marty), Gale Corrine Fillinger Duran (Chuck) and Carol Jean Fillinger Gueltig, whom he joins in heaven.
Tom’s family will receive friends at Moss Service Funeral Home in Cullman, AL on Friday, February 12, 2021, from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM. Tom’s funeral service will be Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 12:00 noon at the 1st Baptist Church of Cullman. Burial will follow in Cullman City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.
Please visit mossservicefh.com to leave condolences for the family.
Moss Service Funeral Home Directing.
