Colonel Tom McConnell and Senator Bill Hagerty
I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of my good friend, Army Colonel Tom McConnell. I first met Tom in the early 80’s working on the Armed Forces Week Committee. He directed the Hamilton County Schools ROTC units for nearly 25 years. As the parade announcer, Colonel McConnell was most helpful in gathering information about the schools' ROTC parade participation. He even connected me with high school band directors whose units would march in the parade. When there were threats of rain on parade day, Colonel McConnell would respond, Earl, don’t you know it doesn’t rain in the military.
I can say firsthand this man loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He was Roman Catholic and I am a Presbyterian. We shared many conversations about Jesus and his death, burial and resurrection. I would meet him at Karl’s Restaurant in Hixson for both breakfast and lunch. He was one of the most upbeat individuals I’ve ever had conversation with.
We shared verses like Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthened me." He told me several times how much he was looking forward to seeing his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and thank him for dying for him. The colonel also liked John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As we approached Sept. 11, I asked the Colonel for a verse. He responded Psalm 91:1. Then added, “Get It”.
He also was a Southern gospel music fan and told me of listening to my programs down through the years. He enjoyed Gerald Wolfe’s Hymn Sings. I asked his favorite, the Colonel said, “All of them.” I do know he liked the Cathedrals and “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow."
Colonel McConnell’s accomplishments were many. He was very proud of graduating from the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. He didn’t want to dwell on those earthly accolades.
He started the Deacons Table to nourish spirituality and discipleship among its membership with scripture, prayer and a right relationship with Christ. He said his Spanish wasn’t every good but he enjoyed participating in selected Spanish masses.
He worked tirelessly in the Freedoms Foundation Chattanooga Chapter. Past President Gene Pike said, “There will never be another Tom McConnell."
Retired LTC Army Colonel Ray Adkins served on several committees with Mr. McConnell. Mr. Adkins said he could always depend on the Colonel to follow through with whatever he was assigned to do and complete the task on time.
I enjoyed sitting next to the Colonel at the Friday luncheons with retired General Carl Levi at Wally’s. He would often mention students he was very proud of. The Colonel was just a positive person in a world filled with a lot of confusion. Retired Hamilton County School Superintendent Dr. Don Loftis said one time, “Colonel McConnell was always prepared and ready." Loftis called the Colonel a model soldier. The late Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams was a good friend of the Colonel. Commissioner Adams said he received a lot of good advice about the schools from Mr. McConnell.
The last time I saw the Colonel was with Senator Bill Hagerty Sept. 8, 2021 at the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center. He thanked me for taking his picture with Senator Hagerty. His last words to me, “I sure miss you on the radio."
The annual Armed Forces Day Parade just won’t be the same without seeing Colonel Tom McConnell and his beautiful smile. He’ll be buried with full military honors at Chattanooga’s National Cemetery.
Earl Freudenberg