Tommy Jack Runion

Tommy Jack Runion, 90, of Unicoi County went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus on Thursday, August 3, 2023. Tommy passed away peacefully on his beloved mountain, surrounded by family. He was the son of the late George Arlee Runion and Sarah Edyth Tucker Runion.   

After graduating from Unicoi County High School, Tommy joined the United States Air Force. He served his country honorably for four years, as a Staff Sergeant and spent most of his service in Germany. Tommy was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Occupation Medal (Germany).  

After completing his military service in 1957, Tommy returned to Unicoi County and married Ima Jean Shelton. The two then moved to Manassas, Virginia where he worked for Atlantic Research Corporation.  

Tommy returned to Tennessee to attend East Tennessee State University where he graduated with a master's degree in education. After graduating from E.T.S.U. he moved his family to Fort Pierce, Florida to pursue a career in teaching and education administration. Tommy worked in education for over 30 years. He taught math and history to several grade levels and was an elementary school principal.  

Tommy’s greatest pleasure was working with children. He served on the Board of Directors for the Saint Lucie County Y.M.C.A. and several other committees focused on sports and promoting activities for local youth. He coached Little League Tee Ball, flag football, softball and supervised the school safety patrol. When transportation to activities was needed, he was always the first to volunteer to drive the bus. He transported children all over the state of Florida to various sporting events and always enjoyed taking the school safety patrol members to Disney World for their annual trip. In recognition of his continuous dedication and support for youth activities in Saint Lucie County, Tommy received the Cooper-Taylor award from the Jaycees, along with various other awards. 

After retirement, he returned to his home in east Tennessee. He spent many years roaming the mountains in search of ginseng with his brother Tucker Runion. When he was in Florida, he enjoyed playing golf, shrimping and snook fishing. Tommy loved photography, working in his garden and enjoyed watching the wildlife on what he called “God’s Mountain.”   

He is preceded in death by parents George Arlee Runion and Edyth Tucker Runion; brothers: James Lee Runion, Tucker Runion, Charles Runion and Lewis Runion; sisters: Pauline Moore, Millie Parsons, Virginia Lafferre, Mary Rayburn, and Joann Lockhart. 

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ima Jean Runion; daughters: Teresa Rena Crowningshield and Sherry Lynn Runion-Steffen; granddaughter, Lauren Marie Steffen; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.   

The family would like to express a sincere appreciation to Jessica Burleson, Mary Murray and Tina Ray for their compassion,support and wonderful care that they provided during this difficult time.  

Tommy’s graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 08, 2023, in the Ray Rice Cemetery, Devil’s Fork Community. Reverend Craig Shelton will officiate. Military Honors will be rendered by Shaw Air Force Base. Active pallbearers will be Todd Love, Louie Shelton, Jamey Shelton, Will Runion, Roger Rice and Bob Mallett. Honorary pallbearers will be Harvey Rice and David Sell. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Tommy to: Sweetwater Church of God, 100 Sweetwater Loop, Flag Pond, Tennessee 37657 and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Dept., 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, www.stjude.org 

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Runion family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com  

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Runion family. (423) 743-1380.

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