Tommy Ruth Lockard, 84, of Niota, died peacefully, Saturday, May 9, 2015 at his home.

Tommy was born in Jellico, Tennessee and raised by his mother, Oma Eddy and Grandmother Lulabell Lockard. At age 15 he enlisted in the Army 21st Airborne division, and served in the Korean War.

After the service he traveled the states and eventually settled in Orlando, Florida where he met his wife Verla Wade. They eventually moved to St. Cloud, Florida, resided there for 26 years until finally settling in Niota, Tennessee.

Tommy was a hard working entrepreneur, self-made man who never met a stranger. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, fishing the rivers of Tennessee, hunting and camping with the family in the great outdoors and riding the open road on his Goldwing with his fellow riders and friends. When at home he would hit the golf course or barbecue by the pool with the family, but one of his biggest passions was tinkering in his workshop (there wasn't anything he couldn't fix).

Tommy was a lover of animals, especially his beloved dogs River and Poppy, as well as many before them.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years as of May 11, Verla Wade Lockard of Niota, his children, Sandy Sneddon, Ricky Lockard, Theresa Bishop, Trina Lockard, Michele Simpson, Ty Lockard and Cleve Lockard; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jimmy, Freddie, David, Billie Jean, Bobby, Sue and Donnie.

Our beloved husband, father, brother and friend has been cremated and his ashes released on the beautiful Indian Mountain in his birthplace of Jellico, Tennessee.

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