TOMMY “TOM” O’NEAL WALL
Tommy “Tom” O’Neal Wall, 72, of Jefferson City, TN, peacefully passed into the arms of the Lord, on September 24, 2015, surrounded by his family. He fought a very courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He was born on February 10, 1943, and grew up in White Pine, Tennessee. He graduated from White Pine High School in 1961. During high school, he played on the basketball team, went to Boy’s State, and was appointed class President his senior year. He then served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era and was stationed in both Germany and Korea. After returning home, Tom attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He continued his studies and graduated from the University of Tennessee Law School in 1974. In 1975, after moving to Jefferson City, he began practicing law. During his 39 year law career, he was a member of The Tennessee Bar Association, briefly taught Business Law at Carson Newman, and was a member of the local Rotary Club. He also served as the City Attorney of White Pine, as well as the City Judge of Jefferson City. In addition, he acted as Attorney for First People’s Bank from 1986- 2013 and also represented Appalachian Electric Co-op from 1998-2013.
Tom’s loved ones and friends were of the utmost importance to him. He was devoted to his best friend and girlfriend, Kay, and his two brothers, Gary and Morris. He adored his two “girls”, Christy and Cathy, and the “apple of his eye”, was his grandson, Christian. Tom had a great sense of humor, loved a good joke or prank, and if he “gave you a hard time”, it was his unique way of showing his affection or letting someone knew they “meant something” to him. He also welcomed a good argument or debate. Tom was an avid UT Football and Basketball fan. He enjoyed playing golf, watching golf tournaments, socializing at lunchtime, and playing cards with his buddies on Monday nights. He had a true appreciation for music and even enjoyed writing personal poems to those who were special to him. Tom was a strong, independent, and reliable man who always gave good counsel and was a very loyal friend. He will be missed greatly by the many people who loved him and whose lives he touched.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Jefferson Wall, and his mother, Arlevia Woody Wall. He is survived by his daughters, Christina “Christy” Wall; Mary Catherine Roberts, her husband Christopher Roberts, and his grandson Christian Thomas Roberts, all of Brooksville, Florida; his longtime love, Kay French, of Dandridge; brothers Gary Wall, of White Pine, and Morris Wall, of Strawberry Plains; as well as a niece, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Tom’s family is sincerely appreciative of the many visits, prayers, and food Tom received since his diagnosis. He was truly blessed in friendship and love. In lieu of flowers, Tom requested that any donations be made to The ALS Association (Tennessee Chapter) online or mailed to P.O. Box 40244, Nashville, TN 37204.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held sometime in November. Information will be made available as soon as the plans have been arranged.
