Thomas King

Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on November 20, 1920

Departed on November 13, 2018 and resided in Franklin, Tennessee

Thomas Monroe King went to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ, on November 13, 2018 seven days before his 98th birthday. He was born November 20, 1920 in Vicksburg, MS to the late Maggie Prescott King and William Thomas King. For his father to keep work, the family had to go where work could be found during those depression years: Mississippi, Memphis, Illinois, Nebraska, Louisiana, etc. In the middle 1930's the family was back in Memphis and called it home thereafter. In "growing up" TMK participated in most sports and did exceptionally well in gymnastics and wrestling; also was an avid golfer.

One Sunday in December, 1941, Tom was working for a construction contractor at the Memphis Airport. That afternoon the company owner drove up and said, "They bombed Pearl Harbor". None of the workers knew who "they" were or where Pearl Harbor was, but that evening TMK and his best friend were in a navy recruiting line to "join up". The friend did join-up and was gone in a few days. Tom decided that he would wait, since the Army Air Corps was advertising for volunteers, with tough requirements to train to be pilots, navigators or bombardiers. The Air Corps required two years of college, which he didn't have. Shortly thereafter they changed the joining requirements to the passage of a physical exam and a written test before beginning the pilot training. Tom, who had never been in an airplane before, passed everything and became an Army Air Corps multi-engine pilot. He soon was sent to the South West Pacific and joined a B-25 strafer squadron and flew 65+ /- combat missions. Two Groups of four Squadrons each were the only B-25 strafers in WWII. In addition to medals awarded, Tom received a personal letter of commendation from the commanding general for a special mission. Upon returning to Memphis for a short leave he met JULIE: the best thing that ever happened to him. She was a bacteriologist working in a lab with Tom's aunt who introduced them and a few months later they were married. After service, Tom went to Georgia Tech on the G.I. Bill and would not have made it without Julie. After graduation, Tom spent his working
life as a bridge and highway engineer.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Julie; daughter, Barbara Dillon King.

He is survived by his daughters, Andrea King Wainwright and Janice King Bridwell (Greg); granddaughter, Andrea Shelby Bridwell.

He will always be our hero.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bellevue YMCA.

A graveside service will be at 9 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2018 at Middle TN State Veterans Cemetery.