Tom E. Peden

Tom Earle Peden, Sr., age 92, a resident of Cleveland for 48 years, passed away Monday, February 16, 2009, in a local hospital. He was born in Gray Court, South Carolina on December 31, 1916. He graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in engineering. After graduation, he worked for Milliken Industries, Burlington Industries and Rossville Mills. He retired from textiles in 1980 and became associated with Quinn Supply of Cleveland. After leaving his home of many years, he enjoyed being a resident of Garden Plaza of Cleveland. He also enjoyed visiting his friends at Mullinax-Lincoln Mercury often. He was the son of the late David Dorroh Peden and Louise Meredith Peden. He was also the brother of James Peden, David Peden, Flora Peden and Mary Peden. He was the husband of the late Sara Mae (Sally) Peden.

He is survived by a son, Tom Earle Peden, Jr and wife Jackie of Slidell, LA and a daughter, Merry Craig and husband Walter of Cleveland, TN. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was a loyal member of Broad Street United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Kelly Class. He served in many capacities at the church, but most noticeably as head usher for many years. He was past president of the Cleveland-Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Cleveland Lions Club, past exalted ruler of the Cleveland Elks Lodge, a member of the Cleveland Country Club and he served on the board of directors of Junior Achievement for Bradley-McMinn Counties, Inc. He served in the U. S. Army and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the infantry. He was awarded the Bradley County Patriotic Veteran Of The Year Award in 2007.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 19, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Reed Shell, Rev. Debbie Stokes and Beecher Hunter officiating. Interment will follow with Military Honors in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Bob W. Pettit, Joe Moore, Dr. Mitch Jordan, David F. Smith, Dr. Robert F. Taylor, Tom Biggs and Verrill Norwood, Jr. serving as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 155 Central Ave. Cleveland, TN 37311.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 12 Noon until 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Funeral arrangements by Grissom Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net