Thomas Tinley, age 68, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Thomas was born on September 4, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, to Chester and Amy Heid Tinley. While having been raised in Chicago, he made his home in Columbia, Tennessee. Before his retirement, he was a salesman. He loved riding his Harley through the streets and hills of Columbia.

Thomas is survived by his siblings: Diane (Bob) Johnson, Raymond Tinley and Jack Tinley; nephews: Mike and Dan; and nieces: Peggy, Linda and Leanne. He was preceded in death by his parents.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made atwww.williamsfh.com.

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I grew up in Chicago, 2 blocks away from where Tom lived. We are about the same age. I first met him when we were around 10 years old and we would occasionally ride our bikes together. Many years later, when we were in our 20s, I re-connected with him through a friend of mine (Bill Morris) who worked with him at the phone company. About that time, Tom had fallen off of a building in Elmwood Park while working. Bill said he hit the ground so clean, in a sitting position, that his sunglasses never even left his head! However his spine was shattered and it was rumored he would never walk again. With the help and encouragement of a few close friends and family, Tom worked relentlessly to rehabilitate his legs. After many many months of hard work, Tom was able to walk again with the help of a cane and some special boots. The years following his accident were when I got to know him best. He had a funny way of walking then which I always thought gave him character. It reminded me of the fact that he had beaten the odds. I don’t remember him ever complaining about his pain or looking for sympathy. In fact, Tom had a great sense of humor and he loved to laugh. We shared many fun and memorable times together. As life goes, we fell out of touch and it’s been many years since I’ve thought about these things. I am saddened at his passing but thankful for having known him. May he Rest In Peace. 
- John Nelson

John Nelson - January 05 at 12:55 P

I met Tom in the early 70's back in Chicago. Years later I moved to Southern California and returned to Chicago for a visit and coincidentally ran into Tom at Navy Pier. I invited him to visit me and before I knew it he was on the plane with me traveling back to LA. He liked it so much that he decided to move here a short time later. We remained close friends played golf, camped and traveled to Mazatlan. I will always remember the fun times, the laughter and the hardships Tom had to endure from his injury. He always seemed to manage to laugh through it all. We remained in touch through the years and I will miss reminiscing about the good times we had. Even though I hadn't seen Tom in over 30 years I will miss him dearly. I found out about his death when I called and his phones weren't working and I then researched the obits. Any more information would be appreciated. Please accept my condolences.

Mike Ward
vegasmike@verizon.net

https://www.williamsfh.com/obituaries/Thomas-Tinley/#!/Obituary