Tom Bristow, a fixture in the Crossville banking industry and resident of the Grassy

Cove community, passed away on 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 that

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.