James Thomas “Tommy” Head, 79, of Henrietta, who served nine terms representing Clarksville in the Tennessee House, passed away on Oct. 19, 2024.
Tommy Head was born on June 4, 1945, in Robertson County, as the oldest of five children to Richard and Hazel Albright Head.
A graduate of Clarksville High School and a basketball standout, he received his associate’s degree from Cumberland College before graduating from Austin Peay State University with a B.S. in mathematics in 1967. He was inducted into the Austin Peay Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2001, APSU honored him by dedicating the Tommy Head Atrium as part of the Sundquist Science Complex.
Head was elected to represent District 68 in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1986 and served for nine terms. While in the House, he served as chair of the House Finance, Ways and Means committee among other appointments.
After a short stint as a high school math teacher and basketball coach, he owned and operated a utility contracting business and farm. A lifelong member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, he devoted himself to his community and family. He was an avid golfer and loved supporting APSU basketball and the University of Tennessee basketball and football.
He married Deloris (Brown) Head in 1966, who preceded him in death in April 2021. He is also preceded in death by his parents Richard and Hazel Head, his brothers Kenneth and Charles Head, and his sister Pat Head Summitt. He is survived by his sons Derrick (Jennifer) and David (Traci), his grandson Connor, his sister Linda, and many nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held at Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. with Richie Head, Austin Douglas, Brandon Douglas, Billy LeVan, Johnny Head, Jamie Head, Keith Head and Dan Cooper serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be at Austin Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 4 until 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from noon until the hour of service at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Mt. Carmel Cemetery Fund, 425 Mt. Carmel Road, Clarksville, TN 37043) or the Pat Summitt Foundation (520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902).
The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.youtube@austinbellofpleasantview3266
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Pleasant View is in charge of arrangements.
