Tom was always upbeat, personable and loving. He loved sharing Christ through making and freely giving out CD's to listen to. 

We do miss him.

One of my greatest joys and memories of Tom was his magnificent marriage in Scotland to my dear friend Denise. Glamis Castle was the magical setting for two beautiful people to begin their life of love and mutual respect. I remember how Tom thoughtfully created a map for me of all the castles, stately homes and major art collections in Scotland. As an art historian and curator, he knew I couldn't miss a thing.  Although they settled in Grosse Point and Naples and I in Palm Beach and London, the distance never diminished the fond memories of this wonderful man whose loss is painful to so many. May Denise's love for Tom bring her the warmth of loving memories with her wonderful Tom.

I will never forget the first time I met Tom. I was eleven years old.  Debbie, my longtime friend who I met in middle school, invited me over for dinner and mentioned that her Dad had an unusual sense of humor.  When I walked in through their front door one night on Blairmoor, a lobster was crawling on the floor to greet me as I walked in! Tom laughed then casually picked it up and threw it in the large pot to boil for dinner.   I think I passed the test as I was invited back to their house.  Needless to say, I was always looking around me and behind me anytime I was in their home!  Tom was a great man, and even though I had an alarming first encounter,  he always was attentive and eager to know what I was up to.  I remember him as a social, charming, fun loving man who loved life.  Finding the Lord just made him that much more special.

I did not see a mention in his obituary about his having any particular artistic talent or that he ever cultivated this, but I knew him in 5th grade at Clark School when the art teacher selected the two of us to go on Saturdays to  the Center for Creative Studies bc we showed exceptional talent.  His Mother would pick us up and take us back every week for several weeks, so we had a special bond bc of this.  One other memory later on was he came by my home driving a convertible and took me and a friend Joyce for a ride.  Joyce died about 15 years ago.  Tom and I ended up at different high schools, but he always liked to keep in touch and attend our Southeastern reunions.  I was impressed to learn he got an MBA from Stanford - I do not recall his ever mentioning this.  I remember his brother Bobby too.  I was happy to read what a wonderful and full life he had!

Tom and I crossed paths shortly after his father passed away.  We were both in our early 30’s with him taking over the helm of Arrow Uniform, which meant keeping the “wolves away from the front door” as every uniform competitor large and small was testing Tom’s metal as the new head of Arrow.  I, on the other hand, was the attorney for a group of small competitors who had started their own business due to an extended labor strike in the industry.  Simply put, my clients were encouraging Arrow contract customer to leave Arrow Uniform and I was defending my clients are their new customers.  As a result, Tom and I started off our relationship as antagonists.  

	Those legal battles went on for probably 2 years with my success rate being pretty good.  The “war” started to subside as the competitive situation stabilized with each side “seeing the whites of each other’s eyes”.  Near the 2 year mark a friend of both of ours (my client Roger Dedonatis) decided to sell his uniform business to Arrow to concentrate solely on dry-cleaning.  I met Tom personally for the first time at the business closing.

	The conversation went as follows:

		Tom:  So, you are Carl Becker.

		Me:  Nice to meet you Mr. Andris.

		Tom:  I’m sick and tired of losing cases to you and your clients.

		Me.  That’s my job.

		Tom:  Well, I’ve got a new job for you!  

(I thought to myself here it comes)

	Instead Tom Said:

“From now on if you don’t have a problem, how about being Arrow’s attorney?” 

Then for the next thirty years, I represented Arrow in contract disputes and redrafts, acquisitions, litigation, etc.  This included personally representing Tom, Bob and the entire Andris family members.

	Thirty years is a long time for any relationship, let alone one that started so strangely.  The Becker family will always remember Tom, Bob and the entire Andris family for their trust and kindness.


We were saddened to hear of Tom's passing, but we know this was his transition to be home with the Lord.  We will always have fond memories of our time with Tom and Denise, especially his sharing of insights during small group Bible study.  Tom always had a positive attitude no matter what the circumstance.  He was constantly sharing recordings of sermons with others and was community minded and generous to those in need.  He enjoyed life abundantly, as his Lord intended, with a wry sense of humor and a fun-loving, engaging attitude toward all those he met.   Tom was a man of faith and he lived to honor God.   He truly enriched the lives of those around him and he cared deeply for his family.  Those of us who knew him are better off because he was a true friend, and this is his legacy, to show the love of Christ.  Our condolences to Denise and the entire family.
Fred and Barbara Michael



I was extremely saddened to hear of the passing and loss of Tom.  I remember him as a man of great faith, vision and intelligence, with an enormous impact on both his family and professional life. 
Tom was truly a giant in the industry to which he was dedicated, with his leadership he always exhibited optimism, persistence and had a way of making you believe, we were the toughest and best! I remember him to be approachable and would always take time to listen to what we had to say, and as our company grew he did a wonderful job of providing advancement opportunities.
I was fortunate, proud and honored to be a member of the Arrow Uniform family for 38 years, which were the most challenging and rewarding times of my life. I will forever be grateful for all of the people I've known and all of the lessons I learned along the way. Lastly, I am thankful Tom embraced his strong faith and would say grace at all of our holiday parties. He was a remarkable man! May God bless Tom and the Andris family.
Sincerely, Mike & Cheryl Whaley

This is the last picture I had with Tom. It was on Friday Sept. 16th 2016, the last day of Arrow Uniform. I can't say enough about this man. He hired me as a very young 18 year old and had faith in me to become the Routeman I still am today. I was honored to work for him and his brother Bob. I was blessed to know him and to work for him and his family. Arrow Uniform was family. May he rest in peace. Thanks Tom for all you did for me and my family. Greg

To the Andris family,

I had the pleasure to work for Arrow Uniform for over 30 years and admired Tom (and Bob) for the care they showed for their employees. Working for them at Arrow was like family. Tom was a true visionary for the industry and a very special guy.  Thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers.

I loved Tom Andris and how he inspired deep conversations of why we are on this earth and life after life.  I remember playing golf with Tom. . .  neither of us played well , it didn't matter, his keen perception and insightful views were far more important to me than a mere game.

I loved and I don't know anyone who didn't enjoy Tom's joyous enthusiasm for living life according to Christ's law of love. He passed out numerous teaching CD's freely to whomever felt would benefit from the message. He loved Denise and his family immensely. He was just a great guy to be around, always interesting  and upbeat.

And occasionally, one of his freed pheasants would spend a few days in our backyard. They were a joy to see.

To Steve and Family,
Rick snd I were so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Although we never met your dad we wanted to let you know we were thinking of you.
Our thoughts and prayers,
Rick and Debbie Pleitt

I met Tom at one of my first YPO events.  He welcomed me with his beautiful smile and authentic handshake.  He made me feel I was definitely in the right place.  I admired his self confidence and the way he warmly greeted his YPO colleagues.  

Tom was a mentor to many and a great leader.  He was a natural.  His contributions to making the world a better place will not be forgotten.

I will not forget Tom.  He left an indelible impression on me.  He will be missed by all those he touched in his lifetime. 

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing, but take comfort in knowing he is with Amy, his precious Mother and Father and his brother Bob.  I worked for Tom and Bob for many years and I always enjoyed  listening to him talk about his travels and adventures.  I always looked forward to the annual Christmas parties and I remember one year when Wes and Tom were dancing on top of the bar, it was so fun to watch him enjoy himself!  He was a man who was well loved and he will be missed.  May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Thomas Robert Andris

July 14, 1941 – October 29, 2021

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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