It is hard to fathom the far-reaching effect that a single person can have upon the world, particularly a person such as Dr. Rufus Lomax.

He was the teacher of my GT class (7th grade social studies and 8th grade US History) and I was extremely fortunate to have him for two years.

Dr. Lomax changed the way I thought about life, and people, and history, and social studies.  He forced us all to think deeper, to challenge stereotypes and "easy" answers.  He was fun, funny, intensely interesting, and incredibly caring about his students.  He is the one who caused me to say, "I don't know what I'm going to do when I grow up. I think I'm going to be a doctor.  But I DO know that, once I can afford to, I'm going to become a Teacher, so that I can give to the next generation what Dr. Lomax gave to me."

This past year I visited my 50th US state and celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary.  I've written 12 books and have been to 27 countries. I have spoken before thousands. 

I teach AP government (12th grade) to students in Texas who adore me, but who don't know that the progenitor of most everything I do, and the spark that lit this grand conflagration, was none other than Mr. Lomax, Whittle Springs Jr. High, 1977-1979.

Rest In Peace, and lets us never forget you, Mr. Lomax !

Mr. Lomax was one of my favorite teacher's he made Whittle Springs worth going to everyday along with my friends.  He was a great teacher and will be greatly missed by the community.  Heaven truly received a very special Angel when you got there, Sir, you will be greatly missed.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

 Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
 Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
 That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
 God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

 It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

 God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not  be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. 

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
Â©Copyright 1998

Mr Lomax, Everybody's  Favorite Teacher !

So sadden to hear of Mr load passing.not only did we have the honor of being Mr Lomax at Whittle But he was my Grandmomma next door neighbor. What an honor to know such a wonderful and sweet man. He was always smiling and seem to love life. Truly a great man and he will be missed dearly.RIP Senor Lomax

Mr. Lomax was a gift to all he taught...great educator but even better man. Prayers for family and friends. RIP senor. 
Whittle Springs 86-89

he was one of the best teachers and person that i ever was blessed enough to know always had time for his students there was never a dumb question and he always had an answer in  understanding  forms ,, you will be missed mr.lomax you were one of a kind and very special and made a  difference in my school days,, fly high with those angels my friend and show them how teachers rock it!

So happy that I had the privilege of knowing such a wonderful and giving man.

He was an Amazing and Awesome man.. He will be missed dearly... My thoughts and prayers are with his family and a host of co workers and the students that he taught for all those years. May God Bless You....

God bless and keep this man who touched every life that he encountered. Mr. Lomax was a bright and shining star in life; one could not be unhappy or sad around him. His insight and care keep his memory so vivid to my mother and I. May God bless your family and may we all be so lucky as to make a difference in people's lives as this wonderful man has done.

Mr. Lomax was a very intelligent teacher who was very knowledgeable about what he taught so many students,  prayers to his family,he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Lomax was one of the best teachers at Whittle Springs. He made a positive impact in my life and the lives of many other students.

Your infectious laugh and joyful spirit brought happiness to all those around you!  God bless your family.

Mr.Lomax was one of my favorite teachers at Whittle Springs. He was tough but cared about his students. Rest In Peace.....

Rest in peace Senor Lomax. I had the privilege of taking his class at Whittle Spring. He was such a fun and sweet spirit.  My prayers are with the family.

I greatly enjoyed working with Senor Lomax throughout my years in Knox County Schools. He brought joy and laughter to all around him. He loved the little ones at Fair Garden dearly. I hold our sweet conversations and bursts of laughter close to my heart.

Mr. Lomax was an inspiration to all his students. I remember him well always smiling. He was a great teacher. Rest in peace. Flying high.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senor Lomax.  I began taking Spanish in the 4th grade at then Green Elementary School and had Senior Lomax as my teacher for five years through my years at Vine Jr. High. He was energetic and fun while getting a group of 4th graders to learn a second language. We also lived in the same neighborhood (he on Tarleton and my family on Ontario) for a number of years. My prayers are with the family and may Senor Lomax's soul "descanse en paz en los cielos con Dios"

He was a great teacher and an encouragement to me as a student and also a blessing to both my children as their teacher to.

My heart aches at the loss of one of my dearest friends and colleagues. He blessed my life in more ways than than I could ever express. I know the angels in Heaven are rejoicing at his presence.

Mr.Lomax was amazing. He made learning fun. 
Rest in peace!

Lomax brought joy and laughter to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. We will surely miss him.

He was the best home room teacher I ever had at school. Whittle Springs Junior high school m

One of my most favorite teachers at Whittle Springs. He always made me smile. You will be missed Mr. Lomax!!! Prayers and peace for family and friends.

Mr. Lomax was, by far, one of  my most favorite and most memorable teachers. You will be greatly missed.

Best teacher I ever had. He was always so kind and so enthusiastic about teaching. He made school fun for me and I'll never forget him.

One of the very best teachers! I am so greatful i was fortunate enough to be a student. May God bless and comfort his family

He brought joy to our school and our students. He was amazing, teaching Preschool students Spanish.

Mr. Lomax was a wonderful teacher and such a character.  He was certainly someone that you could never forget once you spent any time with him.  He was my teacher in 8th grade at Whittle Springs and I have fond memories of his class and his obvious love for his work.

RIP Senor Lomax. I remember him for his awesome smile and caring spirit. I loved having him for a teacher. Have never forgotten him. Prayers of comfort to his family at this time.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

REST IN PEACE RUFUS.!!! LORD REST HIS SOUL.

One of the most kind people I have ever known. Godspeed.

I was a student of Mr. Lomax at Whittle Springs school. He made learning Spanish fun. More than anything else, you knew he was one of the good guys. My condolences to the family as they mourn his loss. Sending prayers for peace and strength.

Senor Lomax always had a smile and a  pleasant greeting for all of us at Whittle Springs- teachers, student, custodians,  cafeteria workers.  I  treasured his friendship and will miss him.   He had the gift of making us all feel special.

I worked with Senor Lomax at Fair Garden he was such a sweet and caring person. I will hold on to the great memories we had and all the laughs we shared. He will definitely be missed.

We all really liked him when he taught us Spanish in our early school years.  Such a very nice man.  God please bless and keep this family..."Thank you Senor Lomax".

To the Lomax Family I extend my condolences for the loss on this side but the glory for the gain of a quite soul on the other side. I saw him at another home going and made him remember who I was so to say, but he knew who I was because he said I look just like my mother (Dora Lee),who was a family friend for years. He was a very kind sprit.

Johnetta (Smith)Whitmire

May God be with Mr. Lomax's family during this sad time. We have known and loved him for many years. He will be missed.
Earl and Janice Myers
Hoover, AL

I really hate to hear this. Mr. Lomax was one of my absolute favorite teachers in middle school. I haven't seen him in a couple of years, but the last time I seen him he knew who I was and we talked for an hour or so reminiscing about the good times. He will be truly missed. May God comfort you In your time of sorrow.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

RIP, Mr. Lomax.  You definitely made an impression on your students.

Truly hate to see this. I ALWAYS looked forward to his class. His caring and all his stories truly made learning fun. He's a teacher all others should learn from. RIP my friend.

Thanks for the good memories. You never forgot a face, and was at every school event to encourage all of the kids - even the kids who were not in your class. All of my family, friends, and classmates will remember you.

He was one of my favorite teachers I truly loved him for how he taught his students

RIP Mr. Lomax. He was a great teacher and a nice man. He will be missed

Mr.Lomax was one of my most favorite teachers of all time. I was a student at Whittle Springs Middle School in 1977 and I was fortunate enough to see him just a few years ago and out of thousands of students he remembered me.....I sure hope it was because I enjoyed his class always and he made learning fun. I was saddened by the news of his passing. RIP MR.LOMAX....YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS TO WALK THE HALLWAYS OF WHITTLE SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL.

He brought the world to a little classroom. Years later, serving in the United States Navy, I often thought of him when my ship pulled into a port somewhere around the world. Gods Speed. You will be remembered!

He was one of my favorites. 7th grade home room WSJH 1975.

I did not teach with Mr. Loxmax, but became acquainted with him through Norma Kelley, the librarian at Whittles.  I do know that he was highly respected and a joy to know.

Mr. Lomax always made me laugh.  Such a sweet, caring man.  Such a joy to work with for all those years at Whittle Springs.  So sorry he is gone, but know he has everyone in heaven smiling!

Many fond memories of Mr Lomax at Whittle Springs Jr High.Always greeted students  cheerfully and made the most out of our classroom time . I've often thought of him over years since 1977-1979. My condolences to his family.He was a beautiful person.

Mr. Lomax was one of the greatest human beings/teachers I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He had given me knowledge and memory's I will cherish and have forever. To know him was to love him. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. No disrespect but Heaven just got a little bit smarter. Dale Fordham

It was an honor and privilege to have been a student of such a fine gentleman.  His charismatic methods of education made an impact upon my career. For those that can remember the trash can in the hall between class changes, and the voice and can coming to your facial area, "have you any gum in your mouth", is envisioned in my mind. His classroom always began with "have seats will do, and here we go". Thank you for all of the fond memories my friend.

He was a wonderful teaching and worked outside the box to make middle school social studies fun.  RIP Mr. Lomax

Mr. Lomax. One of the most memorable and best teacher's that I ever had the privilege of learning from. My condolences to the family. He was a great man.

Iremember Mr. Lomax being my favorite middle school teacher.  Loved him...and the bell.

He was such a wonderful man, inspiring teacher, and always had a smile on his face. I could be having a bad day while teaching, but he always made me laugh. Love you, Mr.Lomax.

Becky Doane

Mr.Lomax was one of the greatest teachers ever. I will always remember how funny and sweet you were. You will be missed.

A dedicated colleague who will be missed . Grace and peace to all who knew Mr. Lomax.

He was a very kind, caring teacher. He was a great example of what a good man should be . I have always leaned on his teachings. Larry W. Clark

A kind and gentle man who made me smile at his quick speech and sweet smile.  I had him for homeroom back in the late 60s and he made sure we all did our best and were proud of our efforts.  He definitely cared about his students!  Lots of good memories to remember him by.

I remember Mr.Lomax from Whittle Springs Middle School. He was a wonderful teacher and a great role model. He will be missed. Prayers for his family and friends.

Mr Lomax was one of my favorite teachers at Whittle Springs, he had the best sense of humor, his class was never boring, sending prayers for the family.

Many fond memories of this great teacher. He touched so many lives. Rest in peace Mr. Lomax.

Mr. Lomax was one of those teachers who took the time to know thier students and care.  He was a wonderful teacher with the biggest smile.  Rip Mr. Lomax.  Prayer for the family.

He wasnt just my teacher he was my sons teacher, so many years later, one of whittles best teachers ever, what a legacy he leaves, prayers for the family, what a great man..

Mr. Lomax was an amazing teacher and a wonderful person. He will be missed.

You were the best teacher anyone could ask for very nice and funny you made class very fun thank you for the memory R.I.P

He was one of my favorite teachers at Whittles. Rest in peace Mr. Lomax

Mr Lomax was one of my favorite teachers at Whittles. He was funny, kind and an all around good person. RIP Mr Lomax and Godspeed

Out of all my teachers Mr. Lomax was the most inspirational to me. Rest well kind sir, you will be missed

I knew Mr Lomax as a customer at the bank where I worked for years.  He was a very nice and kind gentleman. Sorry to hear of his passing

Mr. Lomax was a wonderful teacher, and a great influence on those of us who were fortunate enough to have encountered him. He will be greatly missed!

Mr. Lomax was always one of my favorite teachers!

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll say a prayer for family and friends!

I am so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Lomax. He was an amazing teacher who loved his students and pushed them to reach their highest potential. May he rest in peace.

OBITUARIO

Rufus L. Lomax

24 mayo, 1933 – 25 enero, 2016

Berry Highland Memorial

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