Thomas Jeffrey Stapleton, 55, of China Spring, passed away Sunday, November 25th at a local hospital. Services will be 3PM on Wednesday, November 28th at Lake Shore Funeral home Chapel. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM on Tuesday, November 27th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. A memorial service will be held in his hometown of Cornelia, GA. Date and time will be announced on www.LakeShoreFuneralhome.com.
Tommy Stapleton was born October 4, 1957 in Demorest, GA to James and Lorene(Stribling) Stapleton. Tommy was a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Southern Technological Institute, Atlanta, GA. Most recently, Tommy served as Senior Principal Program Engineer for L3 Communications. Over his extensive career, Tommy built a professional record of vast experience and knowledge in aircraft engineering; and was well respected throughout the industry he passionately served.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Lorene (Stribling) Stapleton; his father, James Alford Stapleton; and his step-mother, Beulah Pitts (Cunningham) Stapleton.
Survivors include his daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Stapleton of Lewisport, KY; brother, James Stapleton, Jr. and wife Janis of Georgia; sister, Susie Underwood and husband Stan of Georgia; and a close family of nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the country.
Special thanks to: Tommy’s L3 family, his scuba-diving partners, and the Providence Hospital staff for their support and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
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I had the distinct pleasure of working with Tommy while at L-3. He was a rock solid professional who could always develop a solution to even the toughest challenges…all the while keeping it real and fun. I feel truly blessed to have my life graced by his presence and friendship.
Rest in peace my friend.
Family and friends of Tommy, what a terrible loss for all of you. I know that you loved and cared for Tommy as do we here in Habersham. It has been a long time since I have seen Tommy, but the words written about him are very true. Many prayers are being sent to our God in Tommy’s honor. I pray for your comfort and rest.
Candie Dean
Tommy,
My heart and the hearts of many are truly saddened at this moment. You will be truly missed my friend.
Curt Lewis
I worked with Tommy at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis back in the 80’s. We worked on the F/A-18 and ran miles and miles together after work. I remember when Lauren was born. Tommy was one happy guy!! Its strange; I was thinking about the very few special people that pass through our lives. I haven’t seen Tommy in close to 20 years now. I google him and, this is what I find-Wow. Tommy was a great guy, a good friend and, to this day I’ll tell you he’s the best Engineer I’ve ever known!
I am so very sad, and will miss you terribly. Thank you for the honor of sharing a small part of your journey. There are no words to describe much how you will be missed. Love you dearly.
Like I said in your birthday card, there is no replacement for Tommy Stapleton.
I already miss you my friend.
Tommy, I have so many happy memories. Thanks for all the grins and giggles 🙂
Tommy is diving in the clear blue oceans of heaven. He will be missed here on earth by anyone that met him. His memory will live on thru those that knew him and loved him. Tommy touched our lives and we will be forever grateful for the opportunity to call him friend.
You made our lives pleasant when you were near. Thank you for making us smile.
Rest in Peace Tommy. You will be missed by all.
May you rest in peace brother. I have known you for as long as I remember. We grew up together in each other’s shadows and we are more alike than either of us know. I will miss you but I will see you again and we will laugh and talk of the people we love and the things we have done. What I wouldn’t give for 1 more ride in the impala!
Tommy, You impacted our lives more than you could ever know. Thank You for being my mentor but more importantly our friend.
The Cook Family
Jay, Val, Jason, James, Jessica, Raymond and Jackson
We have truly lost a good friend! We will always remember Tommy as the kind-hearted person he was. He was always there for anyone who needed him. May God bless you! Hope to meet up with you on the other side one day!
Johnny & Lesa Holub
Tommy was my first love. I am so sad that I just learned of his passing. He will always hold a special place in my heart. I have so many fun and loving memories. I am so happy to read all the loving notes written for him. He grew into a wonderful successful man and father. For that I am so very grateful. I know my life would have never been the same had he not been a part of it. My heart goes out to Lauren in the lost of her precious father. I know that a little piece of me is now missing. I can not imagine the loss you feel. Good bye half pint. I will always love you.
Thank-you for Being a professional colleague and dive buddy. Our Lives ebb and flow and many times separate us from the wonderful people we meet along our life’s journey. Tommy, you were a wonderful person in my life. I will never forget you. Some day, may we reunite for one more dive in The Lord’s Heavenly Blue Open Water. Peace Always Be with you my friend.
Tommy has now taken his place in heaven. Knowing him as I do, I suspect he has engineered a solution to do some more diving through the clouds…
He was, and always will be, the salt of the earth, best friend, and wonderful person.
Rest in Peace my Friend.
We are certainly going to miss Tommy Stapleton. He was a thoughtful, considerate person who truly cared for others. Tommy’s heart was as big as the ocean that he loved so much and you always knew you were in good hands with Tommy along as a divemaster. It is perfect weather everyday now, the pool is open my friend. Goodby Tommy, God bless.
Tommy, my heart is so saddened with your passing, and you will leave a huge void in our personal and professional lives. You touched so many people with your vast P-3 knowledge and we always left you a little bit smarter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this sorrowful time. Good bye Tommy and God Bless
So sorry to hear of your dad’s death. After watching his memorial it was easy to see that he was a special person. Love and prayers come with this message.
Many sweet memories of you in our lives. You will be missed my friend. But never forgotten. Lauren, Your Dad absolutley adored you -never forget that.
Soft spoken Gentleman and wonderful cousin.
Rest easy, Tommy.
Soft spoken Gentleman and wonderful cousin.
Rest Easy, Tommy
Your smile always made my day when you said Good Morning. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for being a good friend.
I was saddened this morning when I arrived at work to find out you had left us. My heart was filled with sorrow knowing I had just seen you last week walking around the corner and now when I walk by your office, I won’t see your smiling face. We will all miss you so much. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tommy’s family. He was a very sweet and happy person to work with.
I haven’t seen him in over ten years, but I remember him well from our diving days in Lake Travis and trips to Cozumel. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and his daughter, Lauren. I remember him as a great and strong man with a wonderful heart.
Tommy, You will always have a special place in my heart. You touched the lives of so many of us. We will miss you dearly. May you rest in peace.
Love always
RIP brother. Tommy and I went thru the Mechanical Engineering school at Southern Tech and worked together at Lockheed back years ago. Had not kept in touch with him the last 20 years or so but he was a good friend.