Tom Hobart Durham III
On the sun drenched day of March 14, 2024, eyewitnesses observed Tom cruising down highway 72 in Stevenson, Alabama. The onlookers admired him with his sunroof open, windows down, cigar in his mouth and silver hair blowing in the wind. They commented to one another how they hope to be living like him when they reach his age. What a gift to know Tom was living his best life right to the very end. Tom’s presence was large and impactful wherever he went. He set an example in the car that day, as he always has to all of us, to live life to its fullness and that is exactly what he did.
Tom Hobart Durham III, was born on June 30, 1947 to Tom Hobart Durham II and Mama Dot. He grew up running the streets of Huntsville, where he attended Madison Academy as a star baseball and football player. Tom was the oldest of four siblings, Susan, Steve and Philip. He met his first bride, Terry, his freshman year of college and they moved to Chattanooga in 1979. He and Terry prospered and raised three incredible children together, Tom Hobart Durham IV (Kimberly), Kathryn Anne (Tommy Sladek) & Benjamin Durham (Becca). After 39 years of marriage, Terry went ahead of Tom to be with the Lord Jesus. At the perfect time following this heartbreak, Tom connected with his love and bride, Tamara. She brought two incredible children of her own into the family, Drew Carlton (Sarah) and Elizabeth Carlton (Paul). Tom and Tammy built a gracious and hospitable home together where they spent long hours pool side with beloved friends and family. Working to cultivate their lawn, flower beds and planters, life and beauty abounded all around them. Tom and Tammy’s home is a welcoming retreat, lovingly referred to as the Durham Resort. They also enjoyed traveling together to visit their kids and grandkids of which they have nine: Thomas, Cade and Gage Sladek, Tanner and Tennyson Durham, Ada Durham and Eva, Andy and Margot Carlton. He loved watching those kids play sports and intentionally cheering them on was a joy and delight.
A natural leader, hard worker and patriot, Tom served his country honorably and with great pride. Achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he was a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces. Once a soldier, always a soldier. In recent years, Tom reconnected with brothers in arms and cherished their service and time together. Once Tom finished with full time service he continued to serve his country in the Alabama National Guard allowing him to begin and establish a successful career as a Methods Analyst for the Project Management Office at TVA in Chattanooga.
On his best days, Tom was playing 18 holes with friends, drinking his famous sweet tea, lying in the sun listening to Pink Floyd and doting on his beloved Tamara. Those who knew Tom well knew he was an avid music fan, concert goer, sun seeker and Alabama sports fan. He had standing annual trips to the SEC Baseball tournament and Memorial Golf tournament in Columbus, Ohio where he proudly wore Alabama swag sitting in his black and white houndstooth lawn chairs. Ohio State fans did their best to heckle Tom. He smiled back with compassion and blessed their hearts.
Long suffering in his devotion, Tom displayed love in action. He was a faithful friend, good neighbor and fierce lover, always looking out for the needs of others. Where he saw lack, he brought fullness. When he encountered pain, he administered a salve. Where he heard of injustice, he fought for honor and truth. Tom and Tammy found fellowship and worked out their faith at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, enjoying a long relationship engaged in a local small group that met weekly.
Tom Durham was an Alabama boy through and through. He always said he wanted to die in “God's Country”, which is how he lovingly referred to his “sweet home Alabama”. Well that is the exact gift God gave him. Forever endeared to his essence and charm, we will never get over the life of THD III.
Join us to honor this great man on April 5, at 2 p.m. in the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga Tn. 37404.
Visitation immediately to follow at The Common Table, Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, 3415 Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tn. 37409.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, https://www.calvarychatt.com/give, in honor of Tom Durham III.
We welcome photos and fond memories of Tom Durham to THDIIIMEMORIES@gmail.com.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.