Tom is survived by his wife, Pat Bivin; his son David Bivin (Denise); and his daughter Leigh Cox (Bo); his brother Dick Bivin (Liz) and his sister Joanna Kulenek (Rick); his grandchildren Jake Bivin, Carley McLaughlin (John Murray), Tyler Cox (Graham), and Patrick Cox, and his great grandchildren Collier Cox and Campbell Cox.
A visitation for Tom will be held Monday, March 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. All service will be officiated by Dr. Rick Patrick. Tom will be laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Mausoleum.
Serving as pallbearers are Jake Bivin, Patrick Cox, Tyler Cox, Bob Bivin, Ken Benton, Mark Haney, Adam Haney and Drew Shellnut. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Deacons of First Baptist Church of Sylacauga.
Tom was born in Sylacauga, AL to Lillie Bulger Bivin and Thomas David (Buck) Bivin, Sr. Lillie and Buck were both employed by Avondale Mills, so Tom grew up in the Mill Village and Walco. Tom loved growing up in the Mill Village and developed lifelong friends with the children of parents who also worked in the mill.
Tom was a hard worker and developed a love for radio. He approached the general manager at WFEB and asked for a chance to get into radio. He was rewarded with his own (unpaid) radio show in high school as Texas Tom Bivin (He had never been to Texas). While in high school, he caught the eye of his future wife of 63 years by demonstrating his outstanding diving skills. Pat Lovvorn was quoted as saying, "Who is that idiot doing cannonballs off the high dive?". Love was born.
Tom graduated from BB Comer High School in 1956. He was determined to be the first person in his family to go to college. As he crossed the stage to receive his diploma on graduation night, his principal presented him with the Avondale Scholarship to attend Auburn University. While at Auburn, he continued his radio career at WAUD, as well as spending his summers working as a ski instructor at Avondale Mills' Camp Helen in Panama City Beach, FL.
Tom graduated from Auburn in 1960 with a degree in Textile Management. Tom and Pat got married in June and they moved to New York City for Tom to begin his career with Avondale Mills. Daughter Leigh arrived a year later. In 1963 Tom moved his family back to Birmingham where he worked in the Avondale Mills Sales Office, where son David arrived in 1964.
Tom spent his entire career at Avondale in a variety of executive roles. He was a natural born salesman and developed strong friendships and relationships with colleagues and customers that remained friends for the rest of his life.
In retirement Tom was extremely active. He played a lot of golf and was active at Coosa Valley Country Club. He was instrumental in the construction of the back nine. Tom served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Sylacauga and he walked and worked out there almost every day. Once the smartphone was invented, his favorite hobby was tracking his children's whereabouts on Life 360. Tom was active in the Sylacauga Boys Club which was an important part of his young life.
Tom's humor was legendary. On the night he was airlifted to UAB, the staff of the NICU immediately fell in love with his humor. One of the blessings of this event is all the funny stories about our loving dad and husband. We are so appreciative of all your prayers over the past week. Tom was baptized on June 1, 1948 and he served as a Christian leader to his family. We are joyful that he is reunited with his beloved family that passed before him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Sylacauga; and Care House or to a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.curtisandsonfh.com for the Bivin family. Curtis and Son North to direct.
