Kirkwood, Thomas Jefferson 1918-2006

KIRKWOOD, SCOTT, SHERWOOD

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/23/2006 at 19:53:54

Thomas Jefferson Kirkwood, son of Clyde M. and Eva Scott Kirkwood, was born on a farm south of Knoxville on Dec. 1, 1918. He attended the country schools of Brownlee and Spring Hill. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1936.

He married Frances Sherwood on Sept. 8, 1939, and to this union one son, Larry, was born. Tommy worked at the V.A. Hospital a short while before moving to Long Beach, Calif. where he was employed by California Shipbuilders constructing Liberty ships to move cargo to help the war effort. When the call came, he joined the Navy Seabees to help build bases and storage facilities in Virginia and Maine, before going to the South Pacific in Hawaii, Guam and eventually Japan. After the war ended, he returned to Knoxville to build and remodel many homes.

He later purchased Modern Cleaners dry cleaners and with the help of Frances and loyal employees, ran a successful business. More time was spent for community service. He joined the Rotary Club and enjoyed bowling on its team. He served a four-year term on the city council, the board of trustees for the First United Methodist Church and was an usher. When he sold the business he went into semi-retirement, working at Avery's Hardware part-time.

When he fully retired, he and Frances purchased a motor home and traveled the United States and Canada. He decided to have a second home in Mesa, Ariz. to spend the winter months so he and Frances could pursue their love of square and round dancing. Tommy and Frances have been full time residents of Knoxville for several years now.

Tommy died on March 24 at the Pella Regional Health Center at the age of 87.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen and brothers, Milton and Clyde.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Kirkwood of Knoxville; son, Larry Kirkwood of Kansas City, Mo. and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on March 29 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Arthur Hill officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery with Chris Ayers as the trumpeter. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church.

The Knoxville Journal Express, April 25, 2006