Obituary of Thomas Andrew Farmer

Thomas A. Farmer, age 76, of Pikeville, TN passed away Sunday, September 18, 2016, at his home. Tom was a lifelong resident of Bledsoe County and attended the Pikeville United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Virginia Farmer, and his wife, Sara. He is survived by his sister, Virginia W. Farmer, of Chattanooga, TN, sons, Wade H. Farmer (Leslie) of Telford, TN, Thomas T. Farmer (Rachell) of Pikeville, Benjamin B. Farmer (Stacy) of Pikeville, and seven grandchildren, Elizabeth A. Farmer, Andrew H. Farmer, Brook L. McMillen, Sarah B. Farmer, Baylor T. Farmer, Benjamin S. Farmer, Elizabeth B. Farmer, and Mary Grace Farmer. After graduating from Bledsoe County High School in 1958, Tom graduated from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. He was initiated into the fraternal order of Kappa Sigma in 1959. He retired from teaching at Bledsoe County High School after 20 years of service. He was a lifelong agrarian and kept his heart and body on his farm until he was no longer able to do so. Tom’s strong sense of community as well as his love and pride for Pikeville and Bledsoe County were evidenced by his participation and service on the Ocoee Regional Health Council, the Pikeville Lions Club (Lion of the Year 2006), and the Pikeville J.C.’s. He also served on numerous boards, commissions, and committees, including the Bledsoe County Commission. Tom lived his life by the Native American proverb of “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” To understand him was to know that he maintained a picture of the late President John F. Kennedy in his living room. Tom was always appreciative of the unwavering care provided by Ms. Evelyn Murphy. The family would like to personally thank Ms. Evelyn Murphy who took such exceptional care of Tom for over a decade. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, at 1:00 p.m. C.D..T. at Pikeville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Smyrna Cemetery. A donation of a coat may be made in memory of Tom Farmer to the Pikeville United Methodist Church at the time of the funeral service or at any later date to be given to those in need during the winter months. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, Hwy. 127 South, Pikeville, TN. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 -8:00 p.m. CDT at the funeral home.