William Thomas (Tom) Harmon of Columbia passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Maury Regional Hospital of complications from surgery. He was born November 19, 1949 and was proud to be a lifelong Maury County resident. He graduated from Columbia Central High School; Columbia State, and George Peabody College. He was a teacher for 25 years at Whitthorne Middle School and was asked to help start E.A. Cox Middle School where he taught for five more years. He loved teaching and he loved his students.
In 1976, he married Peggy Jernigan Harmon.
After he retired from teaching, he opened his own business of floral design. He especially liked doing weddings for his former students. He then went on to manage two retail stores in Mt. Pleasant.
Tom was an active communicant of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. He was a community leader. He loved traveling, reading, and most of all playing with his special dogs. He enjoyed people and life, always had a smile, saw everyone the same way, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy, brother, Dan U. Harmon (Joan) of Columbia, sister, Carolyn Cobb (John) of Brentwood, sister, Susan Harmon of Thompson’s Station, and special friend Tyler Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ulna and Eugenia Harmon, and brother, Gene Harmon.
A private service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with Father Chris Bowhay and Father Thomas Wilson officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Churchyard. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.
The family suggests memorials to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 311 West Seventh Street, Columbia, TN 38401 or St. John’s Churchyard 1116 West Seventh Street, P.O. Box 75, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
