Colonel Thomas B. Vaughn

Retired Army Colonel Thomas B. Vaughn was born August 8, 1938 in McMinnville, TN and passed away April 22, 2025 peacefully at home with his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Vaughn; mother, Gertrude Grissom; wife Nancy Aycock Vaughn; sisters, Geneva Bowdoin and Dorothy Carter and son, Thomas B. Vaughn, Jr.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Betty Lusk Vaughn; bonus daughters, Delois Bratcher (Terry Boren), Donna (Ron) Hoover and Doris (Junior) Stephens; son, Larry Vaughn; special grandchildren, Dylan (Callie) Stephens, Jacob (Lauren) Bratcher, Joshua (Olivia) Bratcher, Taylor (Sheree) Mullican and Katelyn (Will) Doran; special great-grandchildren, Sophi, Rawley and Turner Stephens, Colt and Conner Mae Bratcher, Judd and Jensen Bratcher, Evie and Theo Mullican and Bennett Doran; nephew, Adam (Kerrie) Aycock; nieces, Melody Gerow, Ge-Ann Bowdoin and April (Paul) Bryant; great-nieces and great-nephews, Kalan Clark Lusk – Senior Airforce Airman E4 based in Alaska, Ian and Bolen Bryant and Ashleigh, Grey and Ella Aycock and longtime friend and business partner, Jacky Jack White.

First and foremost a Soldier, Colonel Vaughn began his military career as a private in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He later entered the regular Army and was promoted to Staff Sergeant at age 22. Selected for Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1961, he graduated with distinction on March 30, 1962. He commanded every level from platoon to brigade task force and served on five of the seven continents. A two-term combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he earned a Legion of Merit with Oak Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with V device and four oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with V device, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and General Staff Identification Badge.

Thomas graduated from Omaha University in 1967 and earned his master’s degree in political science from the University of Kansas in 1972. He graduated from the Army War College in 1982. Based on his outstanding leadership, he was placed on the Honor Roll of the Infantry Officer Candidate Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, GA in 1984.

Thomas was also a college teacher of American and Tennessee History, American, State and Local Government and Public Speaking. He co-hosted Town Talk and Your Turn on WBMC Radio and Straight Talk on WCPI Radio. He wrote My Turn on the Southern Standard Sunday Op-Ed page for decades, drawing acclaim for his clear and cogent analyses of issues past and present.

In 2013, Thomas co-edited and contributed a chapter to The Boys of Benning, a critically acclaimed book about his Infantry Officer Candidate classmates and him, before, during and way after OCS.

From 1990 until his demise, Thomas served as President and CEO of Bob White Music, Inc. The company enjoyed hit songs by Jason Gillentine, Neal McCoy, Charley Pride, Carl Ray, David Slater, Jeremy Stone, Steve Wariner, Jacky Jack White and others.

Thomas was a lifelong lover of dogs. His last two were Big Dog and Buddy, whom he wrote about and missed until his dying day. He was also a staunch supporter of the local animal shelter and the Tennessee Fisher House Foundation.

Most of all, Thomas loved his family, including his church family at New Union Church, where he was a member, his faith and his friends. Thomas has donated his whole body to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Although Thomas may no longer be with us with his presence, his spirit will continue to inspire us and uplift us. He will be remembered for the many lives he touched and for his generosity to all.

There are no words to express how grateful we are to our special caregivers, Jo Boyd and Deborah McDowell. We also want to thank Gentiva for their love and compassion during our time of need. The nurses include Teresa Johnson, Kristel Donaldson, Cheryl Gunter and Aimee Postumus.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025 in High’s Chapel with Jack White and Paul Roberts to officiate. Full military honors will be administered by the United States Army Honor Guard. Family will receive friends Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at High’s.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Warren County Animal Shelter, the Tennessee Fisher House Foundation or your favorite charity.

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

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.