Thomas Dees

A Christian Life Coach: The Way, the Resurrection, and the Life

Obit:

THOMAS DEES, JR.

Trezevant, TN: Thomas A. Dees, Jr., age 74, passed away September 9, 2026, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital.

He was born in Jackson, TN on August 26, 1952, son of the late Thomas Arvin, Sr. and Vivian Gaynell Cleek Dees. Thomas graduated in 1970 from Chester County High School. He was named Football Player of the Year in 1969. Thomas graduated with his master’s in educational administration from UT Martin in 1974.

In 1983, Thomas met Sandra McMinn. One phone call and the rest was history. They married on June 30, 1984, and had been married for 42 lovely years.

Thomas started the West Carroll Football Program at West Carroll with the help of Coach Homer Hanbro, Travis Carter, Jr., board members that worked at that time along with the TN National Guard.

Thomas loved his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed football, NASCAR races and teaching. He and Sandra loved the travel.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Dees; two sons, David Dees (Bryce) of Covington, TN and Charles “Chuck” McLemore of Jackson, TN; daughter-in-law, Katie Wyatt Dees; sister, Norma Tulley (Bob) of Deanburg, TN; and three grandchildren, Colt and Lily Kate Dees and Brylee Dunavant.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Personal remarks:

I first met Bro. Thomas Dees at The Abundant Life Family Worship Center in Cedar Grove Tn where he and Sister Sandra are members. I was filling in for Pastor Jason Tilly. After the sermon he was quick to shake my hand and tell me he enjoyed the sermon and then shared with me he was from down my neck of the woods and still had family here.

Pastor Jason was very gracious to call on me to fill in regular if he was going to be out and Bro. Thomas would often meet me in the lobby with a warm grin, handshake and give me a bulletin for that Sunday. He always made me feel welcomed !

Fast forwarding to a few years ago when Our church Pleasant Springs needed someone to fill in, Bro. Thomas was the one who gave my name to Bob and Norma Tulley, and we are so blessed to be part of the Pleasant Springs Family .

Bro. Thomas loved Jesus and the preaching of the Word of God, along with football, watching NASCAR, traveling, and spending time with his family especially his grand children.

“We remember Thomas today, but our hope is not ultimately found in Thomas's life, accomplishments, or our memories of him; our hope is found in Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Resurrection, and the Life.”

Well, we could go on sharing memories about Bro. Thomas, but if I had to guess, he would rather us spend our time talking about the one who saved his soul our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Jesus wept

We don’t have to pretend that grief doesn’t hurt and death isn’t painful, Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, showing His humanity.

Our hope is not simply that Bro. Thomas lives on in our memories. The Christian hope is bigger than that. Our hope is in Christ, who has conquered death.

We all can quote John 3:16–17 ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

“Jesus not only entered our world; He entered our grief, bore our shame, and entered death itself—and He came out the other side victorious, that we might have life in Him.”

Jesus The Way

Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Our Accomplishments

Often at times like these we reminisce and speak of ones accomplishments, but the question is not what did Bro. Thomas accomplish but, What will you do with Jesus Christ???

See our accomplishments cannot defeat death. Our memories cannot defeat death. Our goodness cannot defeat death.

“Jesus is the only One who has defeated death—and He promises resurrection to those who belong to Him.”

And so our invitation today is not to trust in ourselves, but to trust in Him.

Jesus The Resurrection and the Life

Death has taken someone we love, but death doesn't have the final word.

Jesus said in John 11:25 as He stood by the tomb of Lazarus, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.

Thomas himself made that profession publicly when he was baptized—not because baptism saved him, but because he wanted to publicly identify himself with Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.” And now, standing here today, we hear Jesus ask each of us the same question He asked Martha: ‘Do you believe this?’”

The Invitation

Jesus invites all to come to Him in Matthew 11:28–29 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Simply put Jesus wants you to get to know Him !

Closing

So in closing : John 11:25 “ Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” May we not focus on death but the One who conquered it.

“I am the resurrection and the life.” — Jesus (John 11:25)