Thomas Edward Gallagher

Longtime Morrison, Tennessee resident Thomas Edward Gallagher, passed away late evening Sunday, April 27th, 2025. He was born May 18, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and lived a full life to age 90 succumbing to an extended illness at the Signature Healthcare Putnam County skilled facility.

A retired entrepreneur, nurseryman, and a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, he was the son of the late Daniel and Catherine Regan Gallagher. In 1979 he founded Heather Farms Nursery and as result of his contributions to the nursery industry was inducted into the TNLA Hall of Fame. He was an avid golf player, hitting his last hole in one at age 90. Tom was a true outdoorsman: he loved hunting, riding horses, and farming. His grandchildren have fond memories spending time with PopPop riding the tractors, trucks and four wheelers to feed the cows and horses. Tom had a great affinity for his dogs and some of favorite time was spent on the golf course with friends and family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta Gallagher, second wife, Susie Downs and siblings, Daniel Gallagher and John F. Gallagher.

He is survived by his longtime companion and golfing partner, Brenda Hanley; children, Thomas A. (Kae) Gallagher of Nashville, Timothy (Maureen) Gallagher of Morrison, Terry (Vicki) Gallagher of McMinnville and Tammy Gibbs (Jim) of Nashville; grandchildren, Mary Abigale (Brannon) Gallagher Vann, Katherine Ann Gallagher, Thomas Wesley (Allison) Gallagher, Faith (Corey) Gallagher Brant, Michael Gallagher, Jr., Max Morgan Gallagher, Victoria Gallagher, Genovese (Ken Leibfritz) Gallagher, Olivia (Kevin) Gallagher Tillman, Chad (Sara) Gibbs, Taylor (Taylor) Gibbs Hendon, Reed (Hannah) Gibbs and Emily Gibbs; eighteen great-grandchildren and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Linda Genovese.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at High’s. A family only graveside will be held at Morrison Cemetery from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 with a public graveside at 11:30 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the TNLA Association.

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

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.