Thomas "Tom" William Day

Thomas William Day, age 71, lifelong resident of Somerville, Tennessee, found eternal rest and peace on Saturday morning, December 27, 2014.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. Day were conducted at 10 A.M. Tuesday, December 30th at Somerville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Stan McDaniel, pastor of the church, officiating. A Special Presentation was given by Department of Safety and Homeland Security Assistant Commissioner, David W. Purkey. Personal remarks were given by Mr. Day's son, Tommy Day. Special music was provided by Mr. Day's sister, Sarah Belle Day, pianist, Mr. Day's daughter, Tonya Day, Jeremy Shuppert and Gene Dennie. Interment followed in the Somerville City Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center - Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Day was born July 23, 1943 in Somerville. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Wiley Day, Sr. and Velma Alexander Day. He received his education in the Fayette County Public School System and was a graduate of Fayette County High School Class of 1962. He was married June 17, 1966 to the former Jeannie Ivy, who survives.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Tom filled his earthly days with love, caring and compassion toward all who were blessed with knowing him. His fervent faith led him to ceaselessly serve his family, his community and his Saviour.

Tom began his public service career being elected as Constable for District 1 in 1968. Soon after, he started with the Somerville Police Department in 1969. In 1972, Tom was appointed to Chief of Police for Somerville at the age of 29. He began working for the State of Tennessee in 1975 and in 1977 was promoted to Sergeant in the Memphis District. In 1986, Tom was promoted to Lieutenant for the Memphis and Jackson Districts and in 1995 was promoted to District Captain. After serving as Captain for ten years, Tom retired from the Tennessee State Highway Patrol in 2005. Adding to his career of public service, Tom acted as Campaign Coordinator for Governor Bill Haslam in the Fayette County district, as Treasurer for Judge Jim Gallagher for General Sessions Judge and as a member of the Fayette County 911 Board.

A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Somerville, Tom Day served as Lay Leader for over nine years as well as being a member of numerous committees. Tom found great enjoyment through the use of his skill and passion for cooking at many church and community fundraisers and special events such as for the county's annual fish fry. Additionally, Tom served as cook for the Somerville First United Methodist Church's collaboration with the Somerville Bank in support of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. In 1971, Tom again exhibited his desire to serve the greater good and received his Masonic Apron with which he actively participated for 43 years.

Of all the worthy activities and organizations occupying Tom's life, his greatest passion was found in his love of his family. Whether it was coaching baseball for his son or grandson, taking two week vacations with his wife and children, or cooking his secret recipes for holiday gatherings, Tom Day's heart overflowed with love for all his family. He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, taking care of his muscadines, blueberries and canning vegetables, jellies and jams.

Tom leaves his loving memories to be cherished as a husband of 48 years to Jeannie Day; as a father to Tonya Day of Kingsport, TN; and poppy to her three children, Josh, Caleb and Abby; as a father to Tommy Day and his wife, Heather, of Somerville, and poppy to their two children, Madison and Hunter. Tom is survived by his sisters, Sarah Belle Day of Somerville and his sister, Alice Exum of Jackson, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George Wiley Day, Jr.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Judge Jim Gallagher, Carey Hopkins, Ken Sutton, Howell Moore, Richard Jenkins, Richard Hazelwood, Ray Seels and Jim Robinson.

Honorary pallbearers were Tommy Woods, Joe Humphrey, John Ennis, Ron Cole, Chris Richardson and Bruce Cocke.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Care Center, 815 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550-2725.