Charles Thomas Poss

How sad I was to hear of Tom’s passing. I can’t think of Tom without seeing that smile. I worked with Tom in Asheville with BellSouth and he made every day a little brighter. His sense of humor and his plight for the underdog was amazing! My deepest sympathy to Tom’s family who he cherished. I feel as though the world is a litter dimmer today a light has gone out of this world. What a wonderful guardian angel Tom will be. He will be truly missed but always remembered.

I remember Tom as always being positive and cheerful. He always had a smile and a good word. He looked at the bright side. If you were having a bad day he could always come up with something humorous to make you feel better. I appreciate that he loved Southern Rock, Harleys, and just being a patriotic, down home southern boy. He will be missed and will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Tom was a true friend and committed CWA Union brother. He will be remembered by many who loved him dearly as I did. He was a good guy!

It is with great sadness I learn of Tom’s death. Tom added laughter and warmth at work with his generous ways and his concern for the individual. His hello always had a smile. May his family find peace knowing he is now at rest.

I worked with Tom while in Asheville and I will always remember his smile and friendly concern for everyone. My condolences to his family.

Dear Linda, Mike, Rachel & Adam,
I want to extend my sympathy to you all in the loss of your husband/soulmate, brother and father. Tom’s Mother, Jane was my very best friend and I miss her to this day. She was such a special person, loved by my Mother and all our family. Therefore, I felt like I knew her family & children. They were most dear to her heart. Jane & Charles felt so blessed and happy with Rachel & Adam. Needless to say, on our many walks, visits, etc. they were the happy topic of our conversations. I want you all to know that I feel like Tom and the family are part of mine, since I shared the closeness with Jane and Charles. We grew up next door to each other and will always feel like family.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow and sadness. May God hold you strong in his arms and love.
Sincerely,
Myra Ramsey

Through my brother Scott, I had the great honor of meeting and knowing Tom as a friend. He was in life all that his close friends have written about. Western North Carolina is a little less because of his passing — but a lot more for treasured memories. God bless you Tom.

I don’t have as many memories of Tom as many others who have signed this book have, I didn’t get the privilege of growing up around him but I consider from third grade on long enough to see how amazing Tom was; one day around him was more than enough actually. I can honestly say that of all of my new family members Tom was always my favorite and I don’t feel bad saying it or think that that statement will offend anyone because I believe that he was everyone’s favorite. While everyone was warm and welcoming to me from the start, Tom was the warmest and most welcoming, he would always pull me aside at family things and always cared what was happening in my life no matter how trivial, he made me feel important and I guess that’s how me made everyone feel. I remember when Hunter was being born Tom took care of all of us kids and during that time I was struggling through Algebra, he sat with me helping me that whole night and didn’t tell me to stop crying and didn’t rush me to get the problems finished, he was patient and understanding and even though that was nearly 6 years ago I have never forgotten it. To Tom no one was more important or better than anyone else and that’s something you don’t see too often anymore. I’ll never forget the way he viewed and treated everyone around him and I’m so glad to have the memories of Tom that I do have. I never told Tom how much he meant to me and for that I’m so regretful, but I hope that he knew and I know that he certainly does now. I love you Tom.

Just wanted you to know how sorry I
am to hear about your husband’s death. Your family will be in my prayers.
Sincerely, Marialyce Ayles

Tom walked a path most of us strive to follow. He was a man who demonstrated gracious kindness to all, perseverance when defending what he believed in, and noble honesty always. Those of us who worked with him will cherish his smile, his laughter, his strength. He will be missed.

Until now, the biggest losses in my life have been the passing of my grandparents and my faithful canine companion, Strider. When Strider died I was unconsolable. My wife Sue told me I would never get over my loss but I would get through it. I e-mailed Tom and Linda to let them know and Tom responded with this helpful message: ‘I am sorry about Strider. She was a good dog. It hurts, it always will and that’s the way it should be’. He signed it ‘Crusty’ as that was his customary e-mail signature. And so now, we face the loss of our friend Tom. Together, we will get through it.

Well Crusty, We’re all hurting now, and that’s the way it should be. You were so good.

Scott and Sue Conrad

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We missed you at the soccer games this Spring and will always remember the enjoyable times there with you. You are in our prayers and we are at your service if there is anything we can do.

Dear Linda, Adam and Rachel,

Scott shared the shocking and sad news with me this morning. I wish there was something more I could say or do other than just, ‘I am so very sorry.’
Linda, I will always remember you at Scott and Sue’s wedding celebration. Tom was on a trip to the Dakota’s on his bike and you were happy and supportive about that. We spoke about Tom’s philosophy after his his health issues in the 1990’s. I believe Tom was a satisfied and fulfilled man. He was a bit of a ‘rebel’ and I always liked that about him. The last time I saw Tom he was smiling and more mellow than I remembered him years ago. He had the best things to say about the three of you. You were all fortunate to have and love each other! Tom will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. May God bless and be with you.

Dear Linda and Rachel,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are
with you.
God Bless
Margaret and Bobbie Fullam

Linda, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. You’re all in my prayers that you will have strength for each day and a happy memory to carry you through it.

We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you all.

Linda, Adam, and Rachel,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Chuck, Sheila, Sam and Shailyn

Linda and family.

I did not know of Tom’s death until it was announced this morning at Grace Covenenant Presbyterian Church. I am so sorry for all of you. I have known you over many years, Linda, but did not know
Tom well, having I believe met him only once at Bele Chere with you. I wish you comfort at this tough time. Call me sometime if you like, 216-0100 or find me working at HOPE – A women’s Cancer Center. Blessings to you, Adam, Rachel, Michael and other realtives and friends.

Dear Linda and Family: I grieve along with you during this most difficult time in your lives. I remember you, Linda, and Tom, seeming so close and having much love for each other. And, the family, in fact being very devoted to one another. My fond memories of each of you were when you attended Oak Forest Presbyterian Church.
May faith be your guide through this time of grieving and may it be the source of your strength and the light of each tomorrow. God bless and may you find comfort in this prayer……

PLEASE GIVE US STRENGTH AND COURAGE, LORD, TO BEAR WHAT WE MUST BEAR. NUDGE US WHEN OUR FAITH IS WEAK TO REMIND US YOU ARE THERE. GIVE US HOPE FOR OUR TOMORROWS, TELL US LIFE WILL GO ON. SHOW US,
LORD, THAT ALL THIS DARKNESS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY DAWN. YOU HAVE LED US THROUGH MANY THINGS, YOU’VE PULLED US THROUGH BEFORE. HOLD US UP, LORD, TILL WE’RE THROUGH THIS ONE AND WE ARE STRONG ONCE MORE.AMEN

My Love and Prayers to each of you.
Jimmie Dean Parris

Linda, I was so sad to hear of Tom’s passing. I recall my dad and brothers’ fond memories of the fishing trips to the coast. Charlie and Tom were always one of the first ones there for soccer games – always with a wave and a smile. I know you are a strong person and will carry on with the task of life and being there with your children. You’ll do with this some long distance help from Charlie and Tom. Please know how sorry I am for your loss.

We knew how wonderful Tom was because his children are so delightful. Seeing him at school events, sleepovers. parties, and most recently graduation you could always tell how proud he was of his family. And with good reason! We are all saddened to see a wonderful man and father leave us, but what a lasting legacy in a special family.
Our prayers and love are with you,
Gerald, Michelle, Christina, & Carter Sullins