Thomas "Tom" Fred Trammell

Born on June 3, 1958, in Birmingham, Alabama, Thomas Fred Trammell was the son of Lore Lina Renner Trammell and Fred T. Trammell. During his childhood, the family moved frequently for his father’s work, including several years living in Holland which was an experience that broadened his perspective and sense of adventure.

Tom attended Altamont High School, where he was a member of the soccer team, and went on to continue his education at UAB. At the young age of 17, his lifelong passion for aviation began. Over the course of his career, he flew for Eastern Airlines, piloted helicopters on missions to Gulf oil rigs, worked with Birmingham’s local news stations, and captained corporate jets for several Birmingham companies.

He held a deep appreciation for the aviation community and built lasting friendships with fellow pilots, including Bill Kemp. Among his greatest joys was sharing the sky with his son, Austin, especially after Austin earned his pilot’s license.

On July 20, 1985, Tom married Jeanne Waller, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, companionship, and adventure. Together, they traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada, and across the United States, truly enjoying each day side by side.

Their greatest joy came with the birth of their children, Austin Thomas Trammell and Summer Lina Trammell. Family life was full and vibrant, centered around church, music, baseball, dance, soccer, scouting, dirt bikes, and working on cars and motorcycles. Tom was immensely proud of his children and the lives they built, especially as loving parents themselves. He treasured every moment spent with them.

That joy only grew with the arrival of grandchildren and becoming ‘Pop’ to Austin and Bailey’s children, Levi, Cadence, and Penny, and Summer’s son, Hudson. The grandchildren delighted in inventing playful nicknames for him, and he loved every one of them. Tom cherished time spent playing, reading, and solving word puzzles with them. Watching Jeopardy! and The 1% Club with Levi became especially meaningful traditions. He encouraged them to be curious, to learn all they could, and to think for themselves.

Throughout his life, Tom remained close to his extended family, spending cherished time with grandparents in both Germany and the United States, as well as with aunts, uncles, and cousins he dearly loved. When his mother married Elmer Buckland, his circle of family grew even larger.

Friendship was also a cornerstone of Tom’s life. He loved spending time with close friends—John, Kim, Bill, Karen, Mark, Jack, Judi, and many others over the years. He especially enjoyed evenings listening to his talented brother-in-law Earl perform music, whether at local venues or at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. His dear friend Darryl Kiehl was a constant source of comfort and companionship, and together with John, they shared a lasting and meaningful bond.

Tom had a special passion for working on cars, including restoring a 1971 Porsche 911 which was a project that reflected both his patience and craftsmanship.

He cared deeply about his community and the world around him. Over the years, he volunteered with Lutheran Disaster Relief, helping clean up after devastating tornadoes, served meals to homeless men for more than 25 years at the Firehouse Shelter, and was a dedicated Red Cross blood donor.

Tom lived life fully and fearlessly. He found joy in flying airplanes and helicopters, as well as sailing, scuba diving, skiing, parachuting, running half marathons, and riding motorcycles.

He was loved by so many, far more than he ever realized, and will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, dry sense of humor, generous heart, and deep love for his family and friends.

Tom’s celebration of life will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11am at Southminster Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. In his memory, donations may be made to UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the link below.

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1881/giving19/interior.aspx?sid=1881&gid=3&pgid=893&cid=2129

Southminster Presbyterian Church

1124 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216