Thomas “Tom” Alan Abney Sr., 72, died on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, following complications from a stroke. Tom was born in Cleveland on September 18, 1951, to Thomas William Abney and Marie Miller Abney. Greenwood was where Tom grew up and put down his younger roots. Following his graduation from Greenwood Leflore High School and the University of Mississippi, he began his career in Insurance Sales. In 1984, United American Insurance Company brought him to Tupelo, Mississippi.
Tom was a successful and highly sought after insurance agent, however, Tom’s true joy came from coaching travel baseball. He along with a group of other baseball enthusiasts brought travel baseball to Tupelo in the mid to late 80s. As a coach, he mentored countless young athletes, instilling in them not only the skills of the game but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. His tough coaching style was tempered by a deep affection for his players, whom he pushed to achieve their best both on and off the field.
Beyond his professional and coaching endeavors, Tom cherished his family above all else. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, softening the stern exterior of the seasoned coach.
In his early years, Tom enjoyed building and racing muscle cars, and more recently he was very active in the motorcycle community. He was a dedicated member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association which is now called the Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association Mississippi N Chapter and for the past 11 years he and his wife, Cheryl, have served as the chapter directors.
Tom’s legacy extends beyond the office, field, and road. He leaves behind a community enriched by his dedication, warmth, and the indelible impact he made on so many lives.
Tom is survived by his wife of 16 years, Cheryl Abney of Tupelo; children, Tommy Abney and his wife, Nikki, of Tupelo; Joseph Campbell and his wife, Pam, of Saltillo; and Chelainea Campbell of Tupelo; grandchildren, Noah, AnnaLauren, Laylaih, Kaimbri, Ja’leigha, Mason, and Ivanna; one sister, Donna Kyle and her husband, Steve, of Winona; one brother, David Abney and his wife, Sherry, of Atlanta, Georgia; the mother of his son, Lois McKnatt and her husband, Don, of Sherman; aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; many other family members; and two adored dogs, Tee, and Latta.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Orchard Tupelo, Thomas Street Campus.
Services celebrating Tom’s life will be 3 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Orchard Tupelo, Thomas Street Campus with Rev. Will Rambo officiating. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 1, 2024, at Lee Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors will be in charge of the arrangements.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and members of the Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association Mississippi N Chapter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tupelo High School Athletics, TPSD Finance Dept., 445 N. Church Street, Tupelo, MS 38804 in memory of Tom Abney.
