Tommy Joe McCleskey Sr.'s Obituary
Tommy Joe McCleskey, Sr., 76, of Chattanooga, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023, in a local hospital. He was born on November 24, 1946, to the loving parents of the late Bro. William Miles McCleskey, Sr. and Sis. Mary McCleskey in the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, The Tennessee College of Applied Technology with an Associate Degree in Design and attended the University of Tennessee. In 1964, he entered the U.S. Army and served for three years. Mr. McCleskey was deployed on the frontline of the Vietnam and Korean Wars documenting video footage for CBS anchorman and broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite for the world to note. Tommy Joe’s most prestigious career project was at Plastic Line with a collaborative team of experts to develop the iconic brand logo design of the “Taco Bell” sign and many other signs seen today. In addition, he worked for Carborundum as a Design Drafter/ Estimator, United Engineering as a Designer and a Sales Representative for multiple car dealerships. As a proud Christian, Bro. McCleskey began his preaching journey at Sevier Street Church of Christ in Harriman, Tennessee, where he served for seven years. Moreover, he fellowshipped and conducted worship at Shepherd Church of Christ (Chattanooga, TN), Gate City Church of Christ (Gate City, VA), Park City Church of Christ (Knoxville, TN), Hood Street Church of Christ (Waco, TX), East 3rd Street Church of Christ (Chattanooga, TN), Louisa Street Church of Christ (New Orleans, LA), Hollywood Church of Christ (Baton Rouge, LA) and West End Church of Christ (Knoxville, TN). Bro. McCleskey was very instrumental in the advisement process via a multitude of Church of Christ congregations. “Uncle Joe”, as everyone called him, was indeed a jack-of-all-trades. You name it and he could fix it, from drafting architectural plans, cars, pipes, home repairs, building homes, and the list goes onward. If he was unable to fix the project, he pulled out books and researched until he could successfully master the job. As a life-long learner, Mr. McCleskey was self-taught, an independent learner and used these skills to assist everyone within the realm of his gifts and talents. Bro. McCleskey’s philanthropy was donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Joe had a favorite scripture he quoted "That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NKJV). On January 2, 1967, he married the late Walda Eleece Barksdale-McCleskey in Ringgold, Georgia. From their union, four children were born: Octavia McCleskey-Mallory (Geoffrey) Knoxville, TN, William M. McCleskey (deceased), Tommy Joe (JJ) McCleskey, Jr. (Susan) Madisonville, LA, and Lucretia McCleskey Woods (Roy) Lexington, KY. “Pawpaw” will forever be remembered by his grandchildren, Byrgundy Mallory-White (Jared), Lanceri Parson (Christopher), Jalen McCleskey
Andrelli Seivwright, Justin McCleskey, A’kniyai Seivwright, Ca’knorai Woods; in addition, great-grandchildren, Garratt Fann, Carmyn Fann, Angelo Fann and Chris Parson. Tommy Joe was predeceased in death by his wife, Walda Eleece Barksdale-McCleskey; infant son, William M. McCleskey; father, William Miles McCleskey, Sr.; mother, Mary Elizabeth Burnett McCleskey; sisters, Anna Wyche and Helen Young; brothers-in-law, Willie Hines and Earl Hopkins. Survivors include his children and their spouses; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters, Sibley Hines of McDonough, GA and Quintella Hopkins of Indianapolis, IN; brothers, William McCleskey, Jr. of Chattanooga, Timothy (Shirlee) McCleskey, Sr. of Nashville, TN, and George (Mary) McCleskey of Ooltewah, TN; and a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and church family. Tommy Joe will lie-in-state on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. The Home Going Celebration will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Brother Michael Ludy as the eulogist. Burial on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family requests black or patriotic colors be worn on both days to celebrate his life and service to his country. Bro. Tommy Joe McCleskey, Sr. will be dearly missed.
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