Tom P. Ollinger

Tom P. Ollinger, a 92 year old native Mobilian, departed this life on February 5, 2015, at a local Hospice facility after a courageous battle with numerous maladies, any one of which would serve as a challenge to most. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille Jackson Ollinger, three adoring children: Thomas P. "Corky" Ollinger, Jr. (Mechell) of Fairhope, Christina O. Neely (Tom) of Birmingham, and Rebecca Anne Ollinger of Atlanta; three grandchildren: Thomas A. Neely III (Tee) of Richmond, Va., DaLacy O. Bussey (Erick) of Fairhope, and Lauren E. Ollinger of Mobile; step children: Lucy (Aaron) Newton of Missouri, Helena (Doug) Reid of California, Trip (Cathy) deVilliers of Gulf Shores and Jackson (Tabatha) deVilliers of Mobile Mr. Ollinger was preceded in death by his parents, H. Leo Ollinger and Marguerite Potter Ollinger and three of his seven siblings: H. Leo Ollinger Jr.(Mary Ann), Nell O. Miles (Lee), and Mary Margeret Kelliher (Dan). Mr. Ollinger is also survived by three of his siblings: Sivewright O. Carden (John) of Point Clear, Ruth O. Hardwood (John) of Mobile, and William H. Ollinger (Bea) of Atlanta. Mr. Ollinger was a decorated U.S. Army veteran, who served in the Central Europe/Rhineland combat forces as well as the occupational forces in Laiti during World War II, from 1943-1946 (Staff Sergeant, AntiTank Company, 387th Infantry), following which service he served in the U. S. Army Reserve locally (Artillery), rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. Thereafter, he became the founder of Tom P. Ollinger Construction, Inc., which operated continuously for over 50 years as a commercial, institutional and industrial construction enterprise licensed across the Southeastern United States, having completed many local landmarks in Baldwin and Mobile counties, in particular. Mr. Ollinger served his community in various capacities during his career, such as a Director of the Mobile Water and Sewer Board and Mobile Chamber of Commerce. He likewise served as President of the Greater Mobile General Contractors Association. Mr. Ollinger was a proud graduate of Murphy High School and his beloved Auburn University, having been a lifelong football season ticket holder and Life Member of the Auburn Alumni Association. He was, indeed, a War Eagle, through and through. His favorite pastimes included fishing for speckled trout and was known for being relentless in the pursuit of that species during his countless trips to the Chandeleur Islands. Mr. Tom, as many knew him in his chosen field of endeavor, or as PawPaw, as his grandkids knew him, might have left us to go to his most precious Jesus, but he'll not soon be forgotten by the dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews across the country, nor by those he mentored across the Gulf Coast and his many lifelong friends, some of whom are still with us, came to visit him in his final days. Service times for Mr. Ollinger are as follows; Family will receive friends on Monday February 9, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Pine Crest Funeral Home located at 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL. 36605. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Fairhope, AL. on Tuesday February 10, 2015, located at 370 S Section Street Fairhope, AL. 36532, followed by a reception and light meal, with adult beverages . A graveside service will be held at 2:30 at Pine Crest Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Mr. Ollinger's favorite organizations; Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Ave, Mobile, AL 36604, Visitation Monastery, 2300 Spring Hill Mobile, AL. 36607, and Carmelite Monastery 716 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL. 36606. Condolences may be offered at www.pinecrestfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama 36605.