Thomas “Tom” Williams Pardue passed away peacefully at his home September 28, 2018.
His wife of 63 years, Beatrice D. Pardue, predeceased him January 7, 2016 as well as his older brother, Col. LJ Pardue and his sister, Mary H. Pardue. He is survived by his 3 daughters; Linda Chan (Alan) of Flagstaff, AZ, Mary Ann McKenzie of Middleton, WI and Sarah Hart of Nashville, TN; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends who love him and will miss him dearly.
Tom was born December 22, 1923 in Hopkinsville, KY to Nancie Humphreys Pardue and Thomas Williams Pardue. He graduated from Hopkinsville High School and attended Vanderbilt University for one year before entering the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. Tom graduated with the class of 1946 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry. He served in the US Army for 20 years stationed at various military installations at home and abroad. Foreign duty assignments included Japan, Korea, Okinawa and Panama. It was in Japan that he first met his future wife, “Bikit” Daniel. They married several years later on June 7, 1952 in Ft. Knox, Ky. While still a career Army officer, he was assigned to Syracuse University in New York where he was awarded a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Retiring from the US Army in 1966, Tom and Bikit with their three daughters decided to establish roots in Nashville, Tennessee.
Tom entered the business world of Nashville with Life and Casualty Insurance Co. and later American General Company for 17 years. He then continued in business as a management consultant for several companies for another 15 years. During this time, he also owned a working farm in Kentucky. He often said that the title he was most proud of was that of Farmer. Tom was an avid sportsman and hunter, and the proud owner and trainer of many outstanding English Setter bird dogs.
Tom was involved with many community organizations including Leadership Nashville, Vanderbilt Commodore Club, and Hillwood Country Club. He served on the boards of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, the Nashville Exchange Club and West End United Methodist Church. After moving to The Heritage in Brentwood in 2008, he and Bikit joined Brentwood United Methodist Church.
Tom lived his life well. He was grateful for the opportunity to serve his country in the US Army and to enjoy life in Middle Tennessee and Kentucky. He was truly a man of honor, generous in spirit, loving and loyal to his family and friends. He set the bar high.
A special mention must be made with profound gratitude to his devoted caregivers from First Light Home Care. To Bessie, Judy, Marie, Alberita, Ashley and all the other caregivers who assisted him – thank you for helping him have a safe and comfortable final few years lived with dignity. You are angels.
A memorial service celebrating the life of this remarkable man will be held Thursday, October 25 at 1:00 pm at Brentwood United Methodist Church. A visitation beginning at noon will precede the service with military honors and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Fisher House at 652 Joel Drive, Ft. Campbell, KY 42223 or the West Point Association of Graduates Fund, 698 Mills Rd, West Point, NY 10996.
To leave a note for Mr. Pardue’s family or to share a memory, please sign the online guestbook.
