Thomas L. Light

Mr. Thomas Lee Light, a proud veteran, devoted family man, and lifelong Tennessean, passed away on November 7, 2024, in Bristol, Tennessee. He was 92 years old. Born on February 9, 1932, in Kingsport, Tennessee, Thomas was the son of Basil and Mosella Light. He grew up in East Tennessee and attended Dobyns-Bennett High School before going on to graduate from Tusculum College. His early years laid the foundation for a life marked by service, loyalty, and deep-rooted values. In January 1951, Thomas answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He served honorably until January 1955 as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (ABAN) aboard the USS Antietam missile cruiser and the USS Yorktown CV-10. As a Navy pilot during the war, he demonstrated extraordinary courage; after his aircraft was struck by enemy artillery fire and shot down, he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery. His military service also earned him recognition for United Nations Good Conduct. Thomas carried this sense of duty and honor with him throughout his life. After returning home from service, Thomas built a life filled with love and dedication alongside his beloved wife of 63 years, Karol Schneckberg Light. Their enduring partnership was a testament to commitment and mutual respect until her passing. Together they raised three daughters: Melinda Gail Light, Tonya Renea Light, and Tanya Rae Light—each of whom brought joy and pride into their lives. Thomas resided in Blountville, TN the majority of his life. He was employed by the Sullivan County School Board for thirty years and served as an Assistant Principal at Blountville Elementary School, Principal of Gunnings, and Special Education Instructor at Sullivan Central High School. Thomas had a deep appreciation for knowledge and was an avid reader throughout his life. He found joy in simple pleasures—playing solitaire in his recliner or immersing himself in westerns and educational programming on Discovery Channel and The History Channel. A passionate sports fan, he especially loved cheering on University of Tennessee athletics. Weekends became sacred rituals spent in front of his large-screen television with daughters rooting for UT Football and Lady Vols Basketball and Softball teams—often accompanied by hot wings and peanut M&Ms as he perfected his own version of tailgating from home. His affiliations during the years reflected his commitment to community and camaraderie: he was a proud member of the Shriners, Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and a local boating club. These organizations provided him with lasting friendships and opportunities to give back. Thomas cherished many friendships over the years that enriched his life deeply—including those with Jim Walker, Clarke Lucas, Bob Bridgeman, David Schmucker, and Andrew Agett.

He is remembered with love by his daughters Melinda Gail Light, Tonya Renea Light and spouse G. Hearl, and Tanya Rae Light; his brother Lowell Light and Janelle Light; nephew Jeff Light and wife Leticia; as well as Jim Padgett and wife, Kathy. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Karol Cynthia Scheneckenberg Light; parents Basil and Mosella Light; sister Betty Light Padgett; and nephew Mike Padgett. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who provided exceptional care during Thomas’s later years: Whitney Chastain, Laceysta Worley Farmer, Amber Parks; Cornerstone Caregiving; Sentinel (Avenues); Providence Companion Care; Tanya Rae Light; Ballad Health Hospice House; Brookdale RockSprings Assisted Living; Grant Foster, Pastor; as well as Dr. Eric Harmen and staff for their dedicated medical support over many years. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him—and may we continue to be inspired by his strength of character, unwavering patriotism, and enduring love for family. A Military Honors Funeral Service will be held on October 7, 2025, at 03:00 PM at Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Avenue Mountain Home, Tennessee.