Thomas Riley Britt

Thom was born at home in Gwinnett County, Georgia, the third of nine children. He was preceded in death by parents Rache and Marion Davis Britt, brothers Greg and Allen and sisters Mary, Helen, and Doris. He is survived by his wife Kareen Vallandigham Britt of Dallas; daughters Erica Dorsett and her husband Stan; Hilary Trevino and husband Eloy; son Evan Britt and his wife Amanda; grandchildren Malcolm, Gavin, and Chandler Dorsett and Julian and Lola Trevino; brother Rache, sisters Ethel Garmon and Rachel Cobb, brother-in-law Peter Vallandigham, and numerous nieces and nephews. Thom graduated from Bethesda High School as salutatorian of a class of 13 individuals. As a life-long learner, Thom later attended Georgia State University, Southern Illinois University, The University of North Texas, and Southern Methodist University. He received bachelor's and master's degrees in music history from SIU, a master's in voice, and a master's in sacred music from SMU. At various times in his life Thom worked as a bookkeeper for a bank and a dairy, delivered pizza, was a member of the Georgia National Guard, taught private voice lessons, was a member of the Dallas Opera Chorus, was a singing waiter, directed church choirs and musicals, directed the Dallas Men's Rotary Chorus, was a member of several grand juries, and owned a printing and mailing company. He loved to collect books and hated to part with them, loved listening to and attending operas, had a keen wit and an encyclopedic memory, never met a stranger, and was a proud yellow-dog Democrat and avid history buff. He had a larger-than-life personality and will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held Saturday February 18 at 2:00 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or Goodwill Industries would be appreciated.