THOMAS DEES, JR.

TREZEVANT, Tenn. — Thomas A. Dees, Jr., 74, died September 9, 2026, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital.

He was born in Jackson, Tenn., on August 26, 1952, son of the late Thomas Arvin, Sr. and Vivian Gaynell Cleek Dees. Thomas graduated from Chester County High School in 1970. He was named Football Player of the Year in 1969. Thomas graduated with his master’s in Educational Administration from UT Martin in 1974.

In 1983, Thomas met Sandra McMinn. One phone call and the rest was history. They married on June 30, 1984, and have been married for 42 lovely years.

Thomas started the West Carroll Football Program at West Carroll with help from Coach Homer Hanbro, Travis Carter, Jr., board members who served at the time, and the Tenn. National Guard.

Thomas loved his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed football, NASCAR races, and teaching. He and Sandra loved traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Dees; two sons, David Dees (Bryce) of Covington, Tenn., and Charles “Chuck” McLemore of Jackson, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Katie Wyatt Dees; sister, Norma Tulley (Bob) of Deanburg, Tenn.; and three grandchildren, Colt and Lily Kate Dees and Brylee Dunavant.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Crook Avenue Chapel, with Jeremy Arnold and Jason Tilley officiating, and Melinda Webb singing. Burial will follow at Pleasant Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Will Rogers, Daniel Rogers, Freddie Smith, J.C. Hefner, Cory Tulley and John Gannaway.

The family will receive friends at Crook Avenue on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM service time.

Shackelford Funeral Directors