Thomas S. Wilson

Dr. Thomas Alexander Symington Wilson died on April 23, 2019. The son of Frank Cunningham Wilson and Emily Symington Wilson, Tommy was born on April 14, 1933 and raised in Birmingham with his four siblings Frank, Watlo, Bland and Mimi. He attended Mountain Brook Elementary and the Loomis Chaffee Preparatory School where he graduated with the highest honors. He graduated from Washington and Lee University. He returned to Birmingham to attend medical school at the University of Alabama. Following both his father and grandfather, he went on to John's Hopkins University. He returned to Birmingham for his residency, where he trained under Dr. John Kirklin. Tommy served as the Chairman of the Alabama Heart Institute and the President of the Alabama Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He was deeply committed to serving and supporting his community. He was the senior warden of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, chairman of the board of St. Martin's in the Pines and the Spring Valley School and served on the board of the Community Foundation of Birmingham. Affectionately known as "Doc", he enjoyed 61 happy, fun-filled and adventurous years with his wife Mary K. Their marriage is one to remember and celebrate; it will remain as an example to their children and grandchildren. He first expressed his love for Mary K. by making her a jewelry box in the second grade. They later would meet again while he was at Washington and Lee and she at Randolph Macon Women's College. They were married in 1957. He would eventually go on to become an incredibly talented woodworker during his retirement. He created many exquisite pieces of furniture for his bride and the rest of the family in addition to making altars for churches throughout Alabama. Together with his wife, he was the leader of a tight-knit family which includes their three children and spouses (Kathryn and Allen Corey, Tommy Wilson, Jr. and Lynn, Cumbee Tyndal and the late Jim Tyndal), and eight grandchildren (Quinn Corey Scanlan, Allen Corey, Fallon Wilson, Helen Cumbee Corey, Thomas Wilson, Wilson Tyndal, Kathleen Wilson and Charles Tyndal). Tommy had a love and honed a talent for playing golf and sailing which he enjoyed with lifelong friends including the Matthews Marauders. He relished time spent with his family at the beach and many other places. He treated his family to adventures in Equador and the Galapagos, Africa, Alaska and Colorado – intentionally creating memories cherished by them all to be shared forever. He was also known for his quick wit and had the ability to insert humor into any situation. Tommy leaves behind a legacy of tremendous success in the medical field, deep community involvement, humble generosity, sincere faithfulness, and the utmost commitment to family. He was a hilarious, Godly man whose influence on those around him is unforgettable. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Martins for their genuine, deep love and care for Tommy. A visitation will be held at his lifelong church, the Cathedral Church of the Advent on Thursday, April 25th 2019 at 1 p.m., immediately followed by the funeral at 2:00. A private burial will take place at Wilson Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathedral Church of the Advent (2017 6th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203), St. Martin's in the Pines (4941 Montevallo Rd, Irondale, AL, 35210) or the charity of your choice.

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