Thomas Chapman Blackmore

Thomas Chapman “Tommy” Blackmore, well-known resident of the Williston Community, husband of Ann Blackmore and a person active in the community, church and civic activities of Fayette County, departed this life Friday evening, February 7, 2014 at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis where he had been a patient for six weeks. He was 78 years of age and died following an illness of several months.

Services of Remembrance with Military Honors for Mr. Blackmore were conducted at 11 A.M. Friday, February 14th at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Rev. Rickey Burns, pastor of the Williston Baptist Church, officiating. Special Music was provided by Phil Cox. Poems written by Wendy Warf were recited by Jackie Sloan. Interment followed in the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery near Germantown. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Blackmore was born August 19, 1935 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur William Blackmore and Ernestine Smith Blackmore. He received his education in the Florida Public School System and continued his education at the University of Miami and the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. A proud and patriotic veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Blackmore served his country for 4 years during the Korean War Period. He was married April 11, 1960 to the former Elizabeth Ann Stallings, a native of Memphis, who survives.

A resident of Fayette County for 41 years, Mr. Blackmore was employed as a mechanic for Delta Airlines for over 34 years before his retirement in 1993. He was a devoted member of the Williston Baptist Church where he participated in numerous church activities as long as health permitted. He volunteered his time to many worthwhile projects in Fayette County that included transporting members of the Fayette County Commission on Aging during the period that he and his wife were associated with the organization. He had also served as Assistant Fire Chief for the Williston Fire Department.

Mr. Blackmore had a lifelong interest in helicopters and jet aircraft. He was a multitalented person that had a passion for muscle cars and animals of all kinds with a special love for dogs, cats and birds. His other interests included horse breeding, nature and growing roses.

In addition to his beloved and devoted wife of 53 years, Mr. Blackmore is survived by his brother, Harry Blackmore of Lake City, Florida; three nephews, Brian Blackmore, Steven Blackmore, Tracey Blackmore; and his godson, Kirk Carlson.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Larry Skelton, Tom Throne, Richard Cupka, Jim Browne, Kirk Carlson and Randy Glover.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Williston Baptist Church, 5925 Railroad Street, Williston, TN 38076.