Thomas A. Nilsen

Thomas A. Nilsen, age 91, of Fultondale, Alabama passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Thomas was born May 23, 1930 along with his identical twin, Wallace V. Nilsen in Decatur, Illinois to parents, Arling and Rose Nilsen.

Thomas graduated from West End High School, attended St. Bernard College, Birmingham Southern College and the University of Alabama graduating in 1953.He went into the Army for 2years and upon his discharge was employed by Frazier Banks as a teacher Stonewall Jackson Elementary. He taught 8th grade science and history for several years and went to Ensley High School as the Boys Counselor and left Ensley to become Principal at Kennedy Niddle School. He retired in 1990 after 35 years in the Birmingham City School System.

He loved going to Panama City and the beach. A great time was sitting in the sun and reading Alfred Hitchcock Mysteries. He liked going out to eat a the oyster bars.

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Paula Nilsen, parents, Arling and Rose Fry Nilsen; children, Jeffrey T. Nilsen; daughter, Jolee Nilsen Grooms and step son, Daryl Carson. He is survived by his wife, Wendell Tibbs Nilsen; grandchildren, Justin Grooms, Rachel Grooms; great grandson, Bryson Grooms; step grandchildren, Kamerine Nilsen Smitherman, Kirklin Nilsen, Nicholas Nilsen; step daughters, Marcy White (Larry), Lynn Lilly (Leigh), Denise Hannah (Lukas), Deanne Nilsen (Gregory), Donna Carson (Justin Lee); nephews, Gregory, Scott and Timothy Nilsen along with other family members, Andrea Limehouse, J Goldman and Barry Milan.

Our thanks to Ascension at Home Care workers and Compassus Hospice for the loving care given to Thomas

A visitation for Thomas will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel.

Thomas will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, 600 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35211.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Nilsen family.