Thomas C. "Tom" Trantham

Thomas “Tom” Clifford Trantham, 80, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. He gained his angel wings surrounded by family and was sent off with love to spend eternity with our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

A native of Haywood Co., Thomas was a son of the late Fred Trantham and Pansy Young Trantham. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert Bruce Trantham (Kathy) and a sister, Carolyn Pace (Jerry).

Mr. Trantham proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1960-63. He specialized as a radar operator rank RD3 on the USS Bordelon DDR881 and the USS Manley DD940. He earned a double-major Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Religion from Mars Hill College. He enjoyed teaching throughout his life, and most recently had taught a Sunday School class at Trinity Baptist Church, where he was a member. Tom was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing in the wilds of Montana & Canada to just a few miles down the road in Burnsville. Tom spent many years making memories while traveling (especially via camping) with his wife and beloved friends and family. He retired the first time from WaterFurnace Geothermal Heating & Cooling and the second time in 2012 after several years of working part-time for Bullman Heating & Cooling.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shirley Watts Trantham; two sons, Kevin Trantham (Rhonda) of Winston Salem, NC, and Thomas Keith Trantham (Janna); stepson, Greg Hendrix of Fletcher, NC; a sister, Freda Towe (Ronnie) of Waynesville, NC; eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Trinity Baptist Church. Senior Associate Pastor Allen Rash will officiate. Military honors will be performed by the U.S. Navy.

Tom’s family will receive friends at the church beginning at 2:00pm (for one hour prior to the “Celebration of Life” service).

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.