Tommy Stringer

Mr. Thomas Raymond Stringer, of Fort Payne, was husband, father, brother, grandfather, coach, mentor, teacher, hunter, football fan, and friend. Throughout his career as coach and teacher he infused his zeal for learning into the students he taught. His grandchildren remember him as a renaissance man who imparted all he knew to them. Tommy died suddenly Wednesday morning in Fort Payne at the age of 75 surrounded by his family. Tommy Stringer served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Coach Stringer began his path into education at the University of Alabama earning his Bachelors in History and Physical Science along with a Masters Degree in Education Administration. His experience there not only provided him with a degree, but inflamed a life long passion for Crimson Tide football. Tommy Stringer went on the coach football, baseball, basketball and taught for 27 years in the area such as Ider, Bridgeport, Pisgah, Valley Head, Williams Avenue, Dade County, and Henagar. He ended his educational career as curriculum director at Dade County, Georgia. In retirement Tommy could be seen his garden, hunting and fishing with friends, volunteering in his community, and attending the variety of sporting events in which his 6 grandchildren participated. Tommy is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty Scott Stringer, his daughter Susan Hall, her husband Grayson, children Laura, John and Anna Kathryn Hall of Birmingham; Daughter Brenda Hammonds, her husband David, children Jessica, Katie and Drew Hammonds of Fort Payne. His sisters; Gladys Dinardi, Ava Lyons, Margaret Mitchell of Fort Payne, Jean Perry of Atlanta, Mary Abney of Chattanooga and his brother Henry Stringer of Fort Payne. Mr. Stringer is preceded in death by his parents James Polk Stringer and Cora Biddle Stringer of Highpoint and sister Sarah Stone of Gadsden. Tommy loved and was loved, his friends will remember his sharp wit and zest for life and learning. He never stopped teaching, coaching, and loving his Alabama Football. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday from the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dorsey Walker and Rev. Teddy Crum. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorials to be made to the King’s Chapel Church or the Upper Sand Mountain Parish, or the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. www.wilsonfhinc.com

Tommy Stringer

October 14, 1932 - December 19, 2007