Thomas Sidney Addison was born on June 4, 1936 to Harold and Florrie (nee Unsworth) Addison in Asheville, North Carolina. He grew up with his sister, Joan, and brother, Desmond. He served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1965. He was a lifetime volunteer with the Swift Creek Volunteer Fire Department for more than 30 years. He worked at ITT (and Alcatel) in the inspections department for more than 15 years. Thomas will be remembered for his love of dogs, Babe and Miss Bea, his pickup trucks, which could often be seen at the Cary Waffle House where he would be having a cup of coffee with friends, and his willingness to help anyone in an emergency. His friends and family will always remember his dry wit, sly sense of humor and stubbornness to a fault, but also his generosity when asked for anything. He had a very soft heart for animals of any kind, and many of his treasures were pictures of various mules, memories of small woodland creatures, and stories of rescues he had performed while exploring North Carolina back roads in one of his trucks. Thomas was active until the day he passed away, and would have had it no other way. He will be missed deeply by his family and friends. Thomas is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Addison (and husband, Wayne Suggs); grandson, Matthew Suggs; sister, Joan Jindra; and brother, Desmond Addison (and wife, Martha). Thomas is predeceased by his wife, Kathryn Addison, and daughter, Suzanne Brackett. Family and friends will gather on Sunday, January 16, at the funeral home from 2pm to 5pm. The funeral will take place on Monday, January 17, at 11am, also at the funeral home.