Tom Bristow, age 70, a fixture in the Crossville banking industry and resident of the Grassy Cove community, passed away November 12, 2020 at the age of 70.

Tom was born on August 10, 1950 in Crossville and was raised in Crab Orchard where he grew up helping with the family farm and his father’s business, the Kemmer-Bristow General Store. He graduated from Cumberland County High School in 1968, and was a member of the historic 1967-68 Jets football team.

After graduating from Tennessee Technological University in 1972, he started his career in banking at First National Bank of Crossville, moving on to many other local banks over the years, including Union Planters, Progressive Savings Bank, and First Farmers and Commercial Bank. He served on the board of Creative Compassion, Inc., aiding low-income families to afford their first homes.

Tom channeled his love of baseball into coaching his son and his friends on several Dixie Youth League All-Stars teams, resulting in two state championship bids. He treasured time with his family, working in his yard, remodeling and home improvement projects, and supporting his grandchildren in their various extracurricular activities.

He was an active member of Homestead United Methodist Church, serving as a lay pastor, treasurer and Sunday School teacher. Throughout his career, personal life, retirement, and his service in church, his aim was to help others and reach out to those in need, lending a listening ear and a helping hand whenever he could, as well as promoting an honest and ongoing relationship with God for all who sought his counsel.

Tom is survived by his wife: Margie Bristow; brother and sister-in-law: Larry and Beth Bristow of Atlanta, Georgia; uncle: Samuel Moses Bristow of Crossville; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Calvin Kemmer of Crossville; daughter and son-in-law: Melissa and Christopher Miller of Crossville; son and daughter-in-law: John Bristow and Abby Garrison of Crossville; grandchildren: Anna Kemmer, Clare Kemmer, Samuel Miller, Emery Miller, Cyrus Bristow, and Magnolia Bristow; step-grandchildren: Gavin Norwood, Haven Norwood, and Tessa Norwood; brother-in-law: Herthel Hale of Kingston; nephews: Conner Hale and Brook Bristow; niece: Bayley Bristow; as well as a host of cousins and friends.

His father, John C. Bristow, and mother, Anna N. Bristow, preceded him in death.

Cremation is being handled by Hood Funeral Home. As per Tom’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held for immediate family at the Grassy Cove Baptist Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life for extended family and friends to be announced in the spring. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests memorial contributions be donated to the Cumberland County United Fund to support its various important programs, including Hospice of Cumberland County.

www.cumberlandunitedfund.org, 348 Taylor Street, Suite 101, Crossville, TN 38555.