Tommy Waller

Tommy Dow Waller, of Soddy-Daisy, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Dow and Juanita Waller, of Baxter, Tenn.; and great-grandson, Jayden Warren Willis. Tom is survived by his sons and their spouses, Richard and Laryssa Waller and Robert and Leah Waller, Grandchildren, Jessica and Edmund Willis and Richard Thomas Waller II. Great-grandchild, Myles Willis, and his special one, Sandi. Tom was reared in Baxter, Tenn., and received his degree in civil engineering from nearby Tennessee Technological University. He then accepted employment with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Chattanooga, where he worked for 30 years holding management positions in the Maps and Surveys division and Realty Administration division. After retirement from TVA, he traveled the eastern seaboard and Caribbean extensively as an employee of Atlanta-based Lowe Engineers. Very active in civic and professional affairs in the Chattanooga area, Tom was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Chattanooga Engineers Club. He was president of the Chattanooga Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) 1973-74 and led them to receive many awards. Serving two terms on the TN Jaycee state board of directors, he was named outstanding regional director. Tom also served on the National Committee for five years, which he ultimately chaired and received awards for being the most outstanding committee chairman. Further, he served as president of the TN JCI (Junior Chamber of Commerce International) 1997-98. For 1998-99, he was Commander of the Tenn. Jaycee Volunteer Corps. Tom remained president of the Jaycee non-profit corporation that built and managed the first Jaycee Towers for over three decades. One of Toms crowning achievements was receiving the State of Tennessee Governors Merit Award from Governor Winfield Dunn for 1974 and was honored as one of Tennessees Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for 1973. Mr. Waller was an avid sportsman and supporter of firearm and hunters rights throughout his life. He was an active member of the Second Amendment Foundation, North American Hunting Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Club, a Life Member of Gun Owners of America, and a Benefactor Member of the NRA. Tom pursued waterfowl from the prairies of Saskatchewan to the marshes of Louisiana and even into the Republic of South Africa. He hunted sheep and bear in Alaska, upland birds in British Columbia, and elk in New Mexico and Arizona. He was one of the first in the Chattanooga area to achieve a Wild Turkey World Slam as recognized by the NTWF. Some of his most cherished memories, however, were backpacking trips/hunts in the Citico Wilderness Area with dear friends. After pining for the majority of his life, he was finally given the opportunity to travel to Africa and hunt. Tom has since made 10 nadditional trips with 12 additional safaris. He acquired many plains game animals, 10 separate spiral horns, and six of the seven dangerous game animals. Cape buffalo were his favorite on the ground tracking but he considered his acquisition of an elephant to be the most rewarding and emotional hunt of his lifetime. Tom leaves many close friends and hunting buddies behind and hopes that his life and friendship have been an inspiration to them all to follow their dreams and do what they love. Tom leaves this life with few regrets. He had a good ride. Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, 1-3 p.m. at Hooper & Huddleston Funeral Home. 532 4th Ave. S., Baxter, TN 38544. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org or to the National Wild Turkey Federation's Wheelin Sportsman Program, Attn: Beth Christie, P.O. Box 530, Edgefield, SC 29824. Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423-531-3975.