Thomas Dunavant's Obituary
Thomas E. Dunavant, 78, passed away Thursday, January 6 in Collierville. Born in Louise, MS, “Tommy” spent his early childhood in Memphis at St. Peter’s Orphanage and later graduated from Christian Brothers High School. He joined the Army and was stationed in California, where he played French horn in the US Army Band and learned to fly. After honorable discharge, Tommy returned to Memphis and spent two years as a Memphis Police Officer. He entered the construction trade and became a master electrician, general contractor and retired from the City of Bartlett as code inspector. Tommy loved the outdoors and spending time in his woodworking shop. He especially enjoyed riding his tractor, raising fruits and vegetables, even growing Christmas trees on his farm. He also liked to fish and play cards with close friends and family. Tommy leaves his wife of fifty-one years, Catherine, four children, Stephen (Cathi) of Germantown, Vincent (Wendy) of Franklin, TN, Philip (Carol) of Germantown and Maryanne Lessley (Bo) of Germantown, and eight grandchildren, Anthony Dunavant, Madison Lessley, Lauren Dunavant, Meg Dunavant, Anna Dunavant, Mckenna Lessley, Nicole Dunavant and Ally Dunavant. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Louis, Clyde and Charles of Memphis and is survived by two brothers, Pat and James of Texas. Visitation is Monday, January 10 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 11 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048) or the Ralph g. Hale Band Scholorship Fund at Christian Brothers High School or to a charity of donor’s choice.
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