Thomas William Trotter, 86, passed away on May 25, 2026, in the comforting presence of his beloved wife, Emma Jo. Born on December 8, 1939, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to John and Tennie Belle (Goodner) Trotter.

Thomas met his sweetheart Emma Jo in Atlanta, GA, and married on June 17, 1967, in Harriman, Tennessee. After their only daughter, Cherry, was born they re-located to Clearwater Florida. There Thomas worked as a clerk for the Pinellas County Tax Collector’s office for 30 years.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, John and Tennie Belle Trotter, and brother, Vestal Trotter. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Emma Jo Trotter, daughter, Cherry Duckett, and her husband, Cary. His grandsons: Caleb Duckett and his wife, Elisabeth; Seth Duckett and his wife, Faith; Kevin Duckett; and Juan Duckett; his sister-in-law, Donna Trotter, nieces Joy Raulerson and her husband, Larry, and Melody Johnson and her husband, Scott, along with great nieces and nephews.

Thomas was a faithful member of the New Testament Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, until he and Emma Jo relocated to Ohio to be near their daughter. He held a steadfast passion for Duke basketball and enjoyed animated conversations about his team and his beloved hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Village at St. Edwards, both at Green and Fairlawn, for their compassionate care and support of Thomas over the last 18 months.

The family would like to welcome everyone for a visitation at 12 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Kyker Funeral Home, located at 430 Morgan Ave NE, Harriman, TN, 33748. The burial will be following the funeral at Roane Memorial Gardens in Rockwood, TN. Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Trotter Family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The International Welcome Center:
https://theiwc.org/donate/