Thomas Austin Sever Sr.

Tom was born on October 31, 1940, to the late John Silas Sever and Margaret Crowe Sever in Miami, Florida. He grew up in south Florida and graduated from Hialeah High School. After graduation, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Tom served for eight years and when asked, he would proudly share stories about his time in Europe and Southeast Asia. While stationed at Shaw AFB in South Carolina, he met the love of his life, Lennie Kanipe. A year after he was discharged, Tom and Lennie were married in Hickory, NC where they lived the first years of their marriage. During this time, Tom began his career with Centel as a cable splicer. While in Hickory, he and Lennie became first time parents with the arrival of their son before moving to Vale. Six years later, their family was completed with the arrival of their daughter. Tom loved his family. He was extremely proud of both children and later his daughter-in-law and two grandsons. He was active in multiple churches over the years and enjoyed singing in the choir and he had been on several mission trips to Guatemala. Tom spent every day prayerfully reading and studying his Bible.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Mary Lou Sever, and brothers; Stanley Sever, Glenn Sever, William Sever and Raymond Sever.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife of 58 years, Lennie Kanipe Sever of the home, a daughter; Michelle Lynn Sever of Apex, a son; Thomas Austin Sever Jr. (Tracy) of Monroe, Georgia, grandsons; Austin James Sever and Wesley Thomas Sever both of Monroe, Georgia. He is also survived by a sister; Margaret Martin (James) of Bradenton, Florida, brothers; Herbert Sever (Alice) of Orange City, Florida, Harry Sever (Joyce) of Woodward, Oklahoma, and Theodore Sever (Howard) of Deland, Florida, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Transformation Church of Hickory, 306 14th St SW, Hickory, NC 28602. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at the church. Rev. Dr. Michael Hone will officiate the service. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 544 at the church.

Memorials may be made to Carolina Caring (3975 Robinson Rd Suite B, Newton, NC 28658) or Transformation Church of Hickory ( 306 14th St SW, Hickory, NC 28602) or to a charity of your choosing.