I thoroughly enjoyed my friendship with Tommie. We became friends through our daughters. They were classmates and became close friends ( I think back to middle school and they now attend Meredith College together). Tommie always seemed to have her daughter's friends over. In taking my daughter there and picking her up I got to know Tommie and we became friends. Her daughter, Amanda, seemed to prefer gatherings at her house. Once Tommie and I became friends I would go over there without my daughter just for friendship and conversation. The great host he was, he would always offer me something to drink. I usually had red wine and he had his Chivas. We mostly just talked but once in a while we'd play some pool. He almost always beat me. I, of course, now regret that I didn't go over more often. I got to know him as a good friend, husband and father. I also saw him as a very intelligent and responsible person in his employment. He was so welcoming to my daughter that he was like a second father to her. She was over there so often that my wife jokingly asked him for tax advice once when he said yes, she asked him if it was legal for us to take our daughter as a deduction on our taxes since she seemed to be at his house more than ours. He generously said yes. When I would talk about feeling bad that my daughter was at his house so often and his daughter almost never came to ours, he said to not worry. I was a good friend and he would charge me very little for room and board. We thoroughly enjoyed his sense of humor. I deeply appreciate how he treated my daughter like a father. She wasn't just a guest doing whatever she wanted. He expected her to pitch in when the family worked and when he took his family out to dinner, she came along like a member of the family. My daughter even went to Wilmington to a Thompson family gathering and of course to White Lake with his family. He also expected my daughter to be respectful and responsible while at

I have known and worked with Tommie for many years..me as a banker and he as a senior bank supervisor. He held my deep respect as I found him tough, but always knowledgable, professional and fair. He made me feel that he respected me as well. I also considered him a friend and am sorry he did not get more time to enjoy his well-deserved retirement. I pray that God provides comfort and peace to his family during this time. Jim Beck

Gina and family~ It was such a pleasure knowing your brother, Tommie. I was so sorry to hear of your loss but happy for Tommie that he is not in pain anymore. Know that in time, you will be able to enjoy the memories with laughter.....as he would want you too. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family girl. We love you! Kelle, Chip, Cole and Jake Turner

Tommie and I worked together for almost 20 years and for most of that time he was my supervisor. His experience was such a benefit to all of us. He was one of the few who knew how to handle tough situations and would stand behind you and support you when you needed it. His guidance and mentoring helped shape the careers of so many people in our field office and territory. He will most definitely be missed.

Gina and family, I am so sorry to hear about Tommy's passing. He was such a good "big brother" to me when you and I were growing up. I know you will miss him but he is in heaven with your parents having a family reunion. I'll be praying for you and your family during this time of loss. Love you! Jamie Garrett Parker

Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. God Bless You All! Norma and Dave Phillips

Tommie and I worked together as managers in the FDIC Raleigh Territory for two years. He showed me the ropes and encouraged me through my frequent frustrations. I never will forget how he talked to me about an hour one evening after work like a father to his son. He made me feel like a million bucks and reshaped my warped perceptions. We have truly lost a general in the trenches. Rest in peace and know that you will be missed!

Tommie and I worked together for approximatley 3.5 years at the FDIC Raleigh Field Office. When I initially joined the office in early 2010, he took the time to "show me the ropes" and provide guidance on various issues. Tommie was a very thoughtful person and often surprised when we would do special things to recognize his birthday. It was evident that he loved Barbara and his family. Family was a priority for him. I remember asking him if he owned a pair of jeans, because he never wore them to the office :). He was a sharp dresser. I was really touched when Tommie and Barbara attended my father's funeral in April 2013. When I returned to work, Tommie gave me a copy of the N&O article on my father. My prayer is that God will give Barbara and the family peace during this difficult time. Take care. Gloria Debnam.

I have known Tommie for what seems forever, although we only worked together for a few years in the Hollywood/Plantation/Sunrise morph of field offices. When I think of Tommie, I think of a true gentleman. I think of a person who was always friendly, helpful to everyone, and always willing to share his time and knowledge. I have seen him mentor more trainee and junior examiners than I can possibly count. He also always offered his cooperation to other senior examiners and supervisors. He was one person you could depend on - always! I also recall, as one person did above, that he was always immaculately groomed, setting the example of proper attire. He was definitely sharp not only with regard to his wardrobe but also in his knowledge of bank and bank examination matters. He certainly put that knowledge in action in the old, and not so old, problem bank days. He was a good man to have around when we knew we would face difficult examination moments - and there certainly were plenty of those times. He was a fair person when dealing with the bankers but tough in that he could stand the test with regard to exercising the courage of his convictions. I know that he will be missed by his friends and fellow examiners (past and present). Rest in peace, Tommie. Donald Gilliam

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It was my good fortune to have worked with Tommie for almost seven years. During that time I benefited from his years of experience and his common sense. I will miss him.

Dearest Tommie, May the perfect peace of God hold you forever in in the palm of his hand. We will miss the crazy fun we always had when our family got together. Thanks for the many times you drove through the night to bring Barbie and the kids to Atlanta for Thanksgiving. Love Always, Christine and Mick Becker

I have known Tommie for over 35 years, no better friend will I have the privilege to enjoy. His humility, strength of character and spirit, dedication to family and friends will always be an inspiration. I will miss you, if just for a short period, until we meet again. Godspeed Tommie.