Thomas Edwin Sisson's Obituary
Thomas Edwin “Pete” Sisson, born August 28, 1927; died January 31, 2009 at the age of 81.Commissioner Pete Sisson served for 40 years as a local elected official. He was the last City of Memphis Commissioner of public works from 1963 to 1967. He was a member of the Shelby County Quarterly Court which evolved into the Shelby County Commission. He was a Shelby County Commissioner and was chair of the commission for 2 terms. Mr. Sisson was a devoted Christian, husband to Jewel Hipps Sisson, father of 7 and grandfather of 19.He was a world traveler. Mr. Sisson graduated from South Side High School Class of 1945, and served as class president. He was Chief Executive Officer of TESCO Properties, Inc., a family real estate management and development company. He founded this corporation in 1979 and it has grown into one of the top 100 affordable multifamily housing management companies in the country. His early accomplishments included: becoming an Eagle Scout, achieving a BS Degree from Memphis State University where he played multiple sports and lettered for the Tigers Basketball team in 1945-46.He was a champion marble player. He was admitted to practice Law in the State of Tennessee and US District court for the western District of TN. He was a member of Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association and American Bar Association. He was a Senior Partner of Sisson and Sisson, Law Firm. Mr. Sisson was honored by eight governors as Aide de Camp and a board member of the Memphis chamber of commerce. He was a Chairman of the local chapter of the March of Dimes. He was Chairman, for the Campaign Division, Memphis Heart Association, the Chairman, National Library Week Committee, City Commission, Divisional Chairman, Cancer Crusade, Divisional Chairman, Shelby United Neighbors, and Executive Committee of the Memphis Round Table. He helped establish “Happy Acres” home for special needs children where he served as President .He was wrestling champion for the city. Mr. Sisson helped Goodfellows for years. He was a Member, Board of Control of the Memphis Park Commission, as well as a member of the Optimist Club. He was the president of Memphis State Foundation Board and president of the Memphis Gavel Club. He was the president of the Memphis State Alumni Association – Shelby County Chapter and president, Memphis Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was a College Referee. He was a US Merchant Marine. Mr. Sisson worked for many years at US Rubber. He was instrumental in the initial development of Kirby Pines. He was an active member of Berclair Church of Christ for many years. Most recently he was a member of Cordova Church of Christ. Mr. Sisson was an avid supporter of Christian Education through Memphis Harding Academy. He served as legal counsel for many years and gave both funds and leadership to the academy. He played a key role in establishing an endowment fund for the academy. He established a teacher award system and provided funding for the awards. He provided private scholarships for children attending Harding Academy and received their highest award of “Esprit de Corps” He has also helped several preachers attend the Harding Graduate School of Religion.Commissioner Pete Sisson leaves his wife Jewel and his children and grandchildren. He also leaves his son, Thomas Edwin Sisson, Jr. and wife Peggy of Bartlett and their children Donna and Sharon. Daughter, Judy Sisson Wimbs and husband Ty of Cordova and their children, Christopher Wimbs, Lauren Wimbs, Carly Wimbs. Son, Jerry Allan Sisson and wife Debra of Germantown and their children, Jennifer Sisson and husband Brian Jerkins, Elizabeth Sisson Martin and husband Alex Martin, Lydia Sisson Farmer and husband Austin Farmer, Allan Martin Sisson. Daughter, Debbie Sisson Dees and husband Philip Dees of Cordova and their children, Heather Dees, Whitney Dees, and Krissy Dees. Daughter, Ginger Sisson Hamlet and husband Richard Hamlet of Cordova and their children, Natalie Hamlet Metcalf and husband Andy Metcalf, Lucian Hamlet, and Hunter Hamlet; son, Larry William Sisson and wife Lee of Germantown and their children, William Sisson, and Caroline Sisson; son, Steve Herbert Sisson and wife Carla of Bartlett and their children Victoria Sisson and Jack Sisson. He also leaves a brother, Hugh Sisson, of Madison MS.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?