Thomas Bond Clement Sr, 72, passed away while on a work trip with his son, on March 27th 2024 at the Regional Medical Center in Greenville Alabama.
The son of Barney and Gloria Clement, "TC" was born on November 14, 1951, in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his amazing wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Clement (Lisa); brother, James Clement (Nancy); three boys, Thomas Bond Clement Jr (Anne); James Clement (Margaret); Robert Clement (Sally); and eight grandchildren, Emme, Bond, Thompson, Maryellen; Adele, Frances, Merrill, Cille as well as many friends and colleagues throughout his life.
Tommy never met a person he couldn't talk to, likely because was born into a traveling family. His father worked for Hunt Oil, requiring the family to move often during his childhood, living in Texas, Louisiana and Alabama until they settled his sophomore year in Tuscaloosa. Across the south he played in the American Legion league and went to be, in his own words, a pretty damn good basketball and baseball player. These talents landed him a scholarship at the University of Montevallo where he played short-stop until deciding he wasn't bound for the majors. Transferring to the University of Alabama ended up being the greatest decision he ever made, as it was there he met the love of his life Lisa at the Sigma Nu fraternity house. After numerous nights of serenading Lisa with his guitar playing and a few love letters to convince her of his intentions, they married on June 7th, 1975 in Mobile, Alabama.
Tommy's career as a businessman is the stuff of legends. He left the University early because Reichold Chemical hired him out of college where he climbed the corporate ladder overnight. Ever the top salesman they tried to move him to New Jersey, when thankfully his father-in-law coerced him into trying out the family business. For the next 16 years, he worked alongside Bob Williams to build the fourth largest pest control company in the United States. The flagship franchise, Allied Bruce Terminix, had 76 locations in 8 states before being acquired by Terminix International in 2001. Not one to linger in any facet of his life, Tommy began investing in the outdoor furniture business a few years later. Leading him to work with his two sons James and Tommy for the next 20 years in the industry. The father and sons team built Southern Home, a leading outdoor furniture manufacturer based in Mobile, Alabama.
An active member of Dauphin Way UMC for over 35 years, Tommy's faith was a cornerstone in his life. Serving in many capacities from Sunday School Teacher and Stewardship Chair to Head Usher and Chairman of the Board, he valued his relationships with pastors and fellow members alike. Tommy felt called to be active in various community organizations and boards including: St. Paul's Episcopal School, Salvation Army, American Heart Association, America's Junior Miss and past President of CCM.
TC should be remembered for two things; the positive way he lived his life and what he loved most, his family. He loved to play golf, hunt and fish. He was pretty darn good at all three, but more importantly he was the best at entertaining and making everyone around him laugh. If there was a masterclass on telling slightly embellished stories and adventures, TC would have written the course. The Canton Bend Hunting Club and Wednesday Golf Game will never be the same.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dauphin Way Methodist Church, St. Paul's Episcopal School or the charity of your choice.
Steve Lamon
A good man gone too soon... RIP TC.