Tom was a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy Waring Redmond and his 6 children with his first wife, Barbara Alderson Redmond: Cindy Gomez (Ignacio), Jennifer Redmond (Delwyn Smith), Tim Redmond (Jill Schonaerts), Greg Redmond, Kelly Boyle (Marty), and Melissa Vishion (Jim) and 10 grandchildren. His 4 stepchildren with Nancy include: Candy Carter, Clarence Jack Carter, Jr. (Melanie), Wallace Waring Carter (Paige), Julie Carter Adkins and 10 more grandchildren. Tom played a larger-than-life role as a grandfather. He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas B. Redmond, Sr. and Pauline Redmond Killgo.
As a child, Tom was studious and gravitated toward sports very early. His competitiveness and athletic stature carried him far in his athletic career. Tom graduated from Russell High School Class of 55 as an outstanding athletic scholar receiving a football scholarship to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was drafted sixth round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. Tom at 6-5, 250 pounds, primarily a Defensive End, played six other positions as well during his professional career. His coach hailed him as a very versatile and gifted athlete. Tom retired from the NFL after 6 years in 1965 due to a knee injury. Tom was also in the army reserves where he achieved the rank of Captain.
Tom had a 30-year career as a Human Resources executive at Monsanto Company of St. Louis and its subsidiary EnviroChem. Tom and Barbara lived mostly in the Webster Groves, Missouri area. Tom felt strongly that you should contribute to the community that you reside in. He held many positions including President of Community Relations Commission, President of Policeman Firemen Pension Board, President of the Booster Club, chair of the Community Relations Committee and City Councilman. He held leadership positions in NFL Alumni Chapter of St. Louis including being president for many years.
Tom and Nancy relocated to Tampa, Florida in 1997. As members of the Hunter’s Green Country Club, they were avid golfers for many years. Tom continued his philanthropy through the NFL Alumni Association where he was President of the Tampa chapter and secretary/treasurer of the National NFL Alumni board. He was on the board of trustees for the Dire Needs Program that aids NFL players suffering from financial or medical hardship. In these roles, Tom helped raise thousands of dollars for charity. Other than his passion for golf, Tom loved to cook. His onion soup was perfection! He loved his stylish sports cars and even went through the smart car phase if you can imagine that! Some of his most favorite times were sitting on his porch with Nancy, smoking a Cuban cigar, and watching nature off their back porch.
There will be a Celebration of Life in Tom’s honor at a future date with details to follow. If you desire to honor Tom, please consider donating to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.
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