Thomas Cathey, age 81, was born September 30, 1944 and went to be with the Lord on May 14, 2026 following complications from a fall. He passed peacefully surrounded by family.
Tom left the United States Air Forces in 1969 after Vietnam. He resumed his education and went to work for iTech in Battle Creek, Michigan. Tom then moved back to Tennessee and joined AVCO Aeronstructures. During layoff at AVCO he worked for General Electric and MTSU. Tom's one true hobby, and one of his most cherished loves, was breeding, raising, training and showing weight pulling American Pit Bull Terriers.
He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas A. Cathey; mother, Annie Blythe Nofleet; and sisters Stella Keer and Joan Mooney.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; sons Peter and Stephen Spielman; brother, Terry (Carolyn) of Gallatin; sister, Elaine Johnson (Jerry) of Lawrenceburg; granddaughter, Adrianna Spielman (Ty) of Ohio; stepson, Michael Reeck (Brenda); grandsons whom Tom raised, Travis Reeck (Tari), Austin Reeck (Sydney); special friend Terrie "Legs" Smith of Colorado; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
We are planning a joyful celebration of Tom's life to take place at a later date. Details will be shared soon.
