Tom grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where he became an avid Tennessee fan. Many friends said he bled ORANGE. After finishing his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee he attended Medical School in Memphis, Tennessee where he developed a love for Pediatrics. He attended college on ROTC scholarships so after graduating he entered the U.S. Army. The Army sent him and his wife, Charlene, to San Antonio, Texas, Ft. Irwin, California, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky and to Ft. Benning, Georgia. He eventually retired as a Lt. Colonel in the Army and his family settled permanently in Columbus, Georgia. In Georgia, he had the opportunity to join the Pediatric Practice of Dr. Kravtin and Dr. Levy in 1985. Due to his training in neonatology in Residency, he was given the opportunity to work in NICU which he loved. Every time a baby was born, Tom would say “How can people not believe in miracles?” Tom’s love of children was so evident in all things that he did. He was never too busy to take care of a child. He would return calls from parents while watching his own children’s soccer game or even in the middle of dinner so that anxious parents would be put more at ease about their child. Tom felt so fortunate to see his patients grow up to become parents and bring their children to him as patients.
Tom loved playing games and watching sports. He found joy in life in his weekly golf game with his buddies, playing Mexican train dominoes with his Friday night gang, playing games with his grandchildren as well as solving any puzzle he picked up. His church family was so important to him, especially the many mission trips where he was able to help others in a different way. The annual family vacation was the highlight of his year. Spending time with his family was so important to Tom because his wife, children and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy in his life.
Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlene; children, John Ellison (Emily), Matthew Ellison (Mary), and Laura DePue (Dean). John and Emily presented them with six wonderful grandchildren, Catherine, David, Wesley, Tommy, Elizabeth, and Ben. Cousins John David King, Alex King, Stuart King and David Ellison.
A visitation will be held at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church, 212 12th St, Columbus GA 31901 on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 11:00 am with a committal service following at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
In honor of Tom's memory, for those attending the funeral service, attendees are ask to wear orange.
Due to Tom's love of missions and the church TV ministry, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Baptist Church to support these endeavors.
First Baptist Church
212 12th Street
Columbus, GA 31901
