Thomas Lynn Foster, of Florence, passed away on August 17, 2023. He was surrounded by his children and his wife of 62 years. Tom was born in Florence, Alabama, on January 26, 1937, and was the only child of Rena and Fred Foster. He was a 1955 graduate of Coffee High School. Tom received a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama in 1961, where he was a Sigma Nu fraternity member. He loved The University and all things Crimson Tide sports related and served as a member and president of the Alabama Alumni Association. Upon graduation, Tom began a career with Reynolds Metals Company and retired in 1999. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Helton Drive Church of Christ.
Tom had an immense passion for football and spent 40 years as an official with the Tennessee Valley Football Officials Association. He officiated over 500 high school games, including state championship games in all divisions. He won the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Distinguished Service Award 2002. During his officiating career, he served as president and chairman of the board of the local official association. In 2008 he was inducted into the Lauderdale County Sports Hall of Fame.
Tom spent time serving the local community on the board of the Florence Housing Authority for over 30 years. He enjoyed being involved with the Tri-Cities Quarterback Club and as well as the Red Elephant Club.
After retirement, he spent many days fishing and playing golf. Tom looked forward to his weekly coffee with life-long friends and was in the Good Ole Boys lunch group. Maintaining relationships with friends from his high school and college days was special to him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Beavers Foster, and his three daughters, Kimberly Foster, Lynn Foster Cogburn (Pat), and Mary Beth Foster Borden (Kevin). He also leaves three grandchildren: Mary Margaret Borden, Ted Borden, and Claire Borden.
The family will receive visitors on August 21, 2023 at Greenview Memorial Chapel from 10 am until 12 pm, with a graveside service at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens in Florence, beginning at 12:30. Pallbearers will be Jim Barnes, Eddie Tease, Greg Thornton, Sam Walker, Daniel Keith, Rob Hibbett, Ken Hibbett, Pat Cogburn, Kevin Borden, and Ted Borden.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Macular Degeneration Association at www.macularhope.org or the Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org
