Thomas Edgar Bess

McMinnville, TN resident and Warren County, TN native Thomas Edgar Bess, age 84, was born April 14, 1941 and died October 31, 2025 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro, TN following a brief illness.

A United States Air Force veteran, former supervisor with Magnetek and of the Baptist faith, he was the son of the late Roy E and Delma Templeton Bess. He was married to Judy Fayda Coppinger on March 8, 1963 who preceded him in death on November 21, 2023. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brother, Ralph Bess; sister, Ruby Grizzell and brother-in-law, Paul Newby.

Mr. Bess is survived by children, Tammy (Billy Joe) Crouch of Morrison, TN and Sharon (Burt) Dean of Sweetwater, TN; grandchildren, Jonathan Crouch, Brandi Fults, Derica (Chad) Burns and Blake (Kayla) Carter, all of McMinnville, TN and Cody (Victoria) Crouch of Woodbury, TN; great-grandchildren, Kaidence, Konnor and Kamryn Crouch, Isabella and Gage Burns, Jaxon Cutts, Parker Shae Crouch and Jase Carter; sister, Willene Newby of McMinnville, TN; brother, Billy Bess; brother-in-law, Gary Grizzell; sister-in-law, Marcia Bess and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2025 in High’s Chapel with Johnny Newby officiating. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Grundy County, TN. Visitation will be Monday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at High’s.

Full military honors will be administered by American Legion Post 173 and VFW Post 5064.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.