Colonel Thomas Ferree McCormack

Colonel Thomas Ferree McCormack, 96, passed away October 6, 2026. Born February 20, 1930, Thomas lived a life marked by individualism, courage in the face of difficult circumstances, dedication to the things he loved and hard work.

Born during the Great Depression in Dallas, Texas, Thomas’s early years set the foundation for a lifelong commitment to education, discipline, self-improvement and hard work. One of his first jobs was candling eggs and he later worked on an oil rig. During his younger years he had many unique jobs to further himself and to help his family during difficult times. However, he also found the time with help and encouragement from his family to excel in sports, primarily through the Oak Cliff YMCA.

Thomas attended SMU and later graduated from East Texas State University. He played football and basketball during his collegiate years. He earned a Masters Degree at Colorado State University and later a PhD at the University of Alabama. He served in the United States Naval Air Force from 1948 until 1950 and the US Air Force Reserves from 1953 until 1964. In 1964 he joined the regular United State Air Force as a Captain and he retired in 1991 with a rank of full Colonel. He earned numerous awards and citations throughout his long career while serving at Robins AFB, Tehran, Iran, the Pentagon, Thailand, Maxwell AFB, Randolf AFB, Gunter AFB, and NATO assignments in Germany and Holland. While in the Air Force he successfully completed Survival Training and Parachuting School. After his Air Force career, he became a dean at the Marion Military Institute. While at Marion, he did find time to appear in the movie, “The Big Fish.”

Athletics and competition were lifelong passions for Thomas. He enjoyed and exceled at swimming, track, football, baseball, boxing, basketball, golf, fishing and snow skiing. In the early 1950s he signed a contract with the Green Bay Packers to play professional football. However, his father-in-law discouraged him because it was dangerous and he had a young family, so he returned the contract and associated money to the Packers. He also enjoyed casinos, the beach, rental property, and following the stock market. A loyal sports fan, he cheered for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros and Houston Rockets, and he cheered for the University of Alabama Football, Basketball and Baseball Teams. He really enjoyed spending time with his family and their dogs. However he always reserved special attention and affection for his dog and constant companion, Gip.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and four siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Marlan Ann McCormack, and his son, Thomas Craig McCormack (Forrest Huddleston), his grandchildren, Miles W. McCormack (Lauren Powers) and Megan W. McCormack and his great-grandchildren Mila Grace McCormack and John Maverick McCormack.

A Memorial Service for Thomas will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 11:00 am at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home, 10505 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36117.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Thomas may be made to the Grandview Family YMCA of Millbrook, Alabama, the Elmore County Humane Society or the Tunnel to Towers Veterans Village Project. A link to each of these donation organizations is listed below.