Mr. Thomas "Tom" Howard Claunch Jr.

Thomas (Tom) Howard Claunch, Jr. met his Savior face to face on March 22, 2013 after a long life of Faith. The first child of Mary Emmette Crum Claunch and Thomas Howard Claunch, he was born on July 23, 1939 in Savannah, Georgia. He served in the US Army where he was named as an outstanding soldier of the year for service in Okinawa. He then embarked on a lifelong career as an international leading expert in Addictive Disease Treatment, after overcoming his own addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous and remaining sober for well over 40 years. He was CEO of Capri Trust, an Alcololism and Drug Abuse Treatment Center in Auckland New Zealand where he primarily resided over the past 16 years. He was preceded in death by his wife June Claunch. He is survived by son Thomas Howard Claunch III; daughter Tammy Claunch Matte (Paul); his grandchildren Mallory Belle and Michael Paul Matte; sister Carole Claunch Scrushy, and brother Dr. Jim Claunch (Sharon); He is also survived by his step-daughter, Benita Venter, extended family members and friends all around the globe. He will be fondly remembered for his zest for life, his quick wit, and his overwhelming charm. He made a tremendous difference in so many lives that he has encouraged along the path to recovery. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm on Sunday, March 24, 2013 in the Fellowship Hall at Vaughn Forest Church with funeral services at 3 pm in the Fellowship Hall with Rev. Lawrence Phipps officiating and special music "10.000 Reasons" sung by his grandchildren. Interment at 4:30 pm at Mt. Willing Cemetery in Mt. Willing, AL with Rev. Lincoln Speece and Rev. Tim Stewart officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Ray Abner, Jonathan Claunch, Paul Crum, Dr. Robby Crum, Emmett Claunch Scrushy and Jason Walker. Honorary pallbearers are TR Bowser, Joshua Claunch, Lane Davis, Tony Pittman, Delbert Taylor, Heino Wendzich aand Ludwig Wendzich. Online condolences may be made at www.leak-mc.com.