Thomas Carrington

Thomas David Carrington, 91, of Parsons, Tennessee passed from this earth to be with the Lord on January 11, 2025.  He was born in Bible Hill, Tennessee on November 15, 1933 to the late William Lester Carrington and Bertha Mae Lunsford Carrington. 

Thomas was drafted into the Army after graduating from Parsons High School.  He served in the Korean Conflict for two years, with most of his time in Austria.  After receiving his discharge, he returned in 1956 and went to work in Peoria, IL, as a machine operator for Caterpillar.  In 1957 Thomas moved back to Parsons where he went to work at Long Equipment Company as service manager.  His employment there lasted 34 years, and he was promoted to assistant manager until the company was sold in 1982.  He worked at Johnson Controls in Lexington until his retirement.

Thomas married Sandra Hayes Carrington on July 13, 1957 celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary this year.  His unwavering devotion to her was a testament to the power of commitment and partnership.  Together, they built a home filled with love and a legacy that lives on through their four sons.  As a father, he was a guiding light, instilling in his boys the values of integrity, hard work, and humility.

His service extended far beyond his family.  As a veteran, he proudly served his country with honor and courage, embodying the principles of sacrifice and patriotism.  He was a charter member of the Long-Ivey-Carrington Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #4971 where he continued to support his fellow veterans, ensuring they were honored, connected, and supported.  His commitment to those who served was unwavering, reflecting his deep sense of duty and camaraderie.

His faith was his foundation, guiding him through the trials and triumphs of life.  He faithfully served his church, Calvary Baptist Church, in whatever roles he was asked to fill and he served as a deacon.  He exemplified what it means to lead by serving.  He lived with integrity, treating everyone with respect and compassion, always striving to leave the world better than he found it. In his community, his servant leadership was a part of his commitment to the Decatur County Rescue Squad where he was a volunteer public servant since its inception in March 1964, but also served as Chaplain and Unit Director.  He was officially recognized for this long standing service by the Decatur County Mayor proclaiming August 20, 2022 as “Thomas Carrington Day” in Decatur County.  He was not just a role model to his family but to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Those who knew him celebrate the extraordinary life of a remarkable man who graced this world for 91 years.  He was most importantly a devoted follower of Christ, but also a husband, father, brother, son, veteran, and a proud Republican.  He was a man whose life was defined by his faith, service and love for his fellow man. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rex Carrington and Joe Hugh Carrington, sister, Bonnie Sue Brasher, and grandson, Justin Carrington.

His life was a testament to the enduring power of love service, and faith.  He leaves behind not just a family who adored him but a community profoundly shaped by his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering sense of purpose and service.  Thomas is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; sisters, Martha Carrington and LaWanda Reagor (Roger); sons David Carrington, Patrick Carrington (Katrina), Marty Carrington (Tina), and Dan Carrington (Tammy).  Grandchildren: Hunter Carrington (Courtney), Ellen Carrington Shelton (Cole), Bradford Carrington (Rebekah), Ashley Bingham (Brett), Samuel Carrington (Mecca), Sarah Grace Carrington, Jay Cavender (Brittany), and Lucinda Carrington (John Lawson Keeton fiancé). Great grandchildren: Ella Bullard, Conner Carrington, Alexa Cavender, Abbie Bullard, Brody Bingham, Alex Carrington, Willa Shelton, Ethan Carrington, Deacon Cavender, Lleyton Carrington, Merritt Shelton, Beckham Carrington and Boone Bingham.  Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.  Your work here is done, and your reward is great.  You have shown us what it means to live a life of meaning, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

A celebration of Thomas’ life will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 14, 2025 beginning at 2:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 254 West Main Street, Parsons, TN.  The family will be receiving friends and loved ones for visitation on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 beginning at 10:00 am and continuing until 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church prior to service. Burial will follow at Bible Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers to serve are Hunter Carrington, Bradford Carrington, Jay Cavender, Cole Shelton, John Lawson Keeton and Brett Bingham.  Honorary pallbearers are members of the Decatur County Rescue Squad and VFW.

The family requests that any donations in memory of Thomas be made to the Decatur County Rescue Squad at Decatur County Bank.

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