Thomas Uzzell

Thomas Randolph Uzell, Jr. Northport | Thomas Randolph Uzzell, Jr. age 93, of Northport, Ala., passed away November 25, 2017 at Forest Manor Nursing Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, December 2, 2017, at Magnolia Chapel North with Dr. Gil McKee officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing. He is preceded in death by his parents; Thomas R. and Grace Butler Uzzell, his first wife of 52 years Martha White Uzzell, second wife of 7 years Hope L. Uzzell, daughter; Martha Jane Dowling and his infant son Michael Robert Uzzell. Survivors include his daughter; Melinda Blackmon (Ken) ; son, Randy Uzzell (Libby) ; grandchildren, Tyler Uzell (Jessica), Ben Uzzell (Ellison), Mary Jo Blackmon, David Blackmon (Marie Claire), Jonathan Blackmon (Lindsey), Jason Dowling (Miranda). Great grandchildren; Wilson Uzzell, Brantley Dowling, Nora Uzzell. Tom was born in Wilson, North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in engineering. He served in the United States Army as a combat engineer, where he was awarded the Bronze Star after a demolition raid on the Germany fortification known as The Dragon's Teeth. Mr. Uzzell was employed by AT&T for 37 years where he began his career climbing telephone poles and retired as the department head of engineering in Birmingham. His corner office in the AT&T tower offered a dramatic view of the city. His job required numerous transfers and he lived in Ashville,NC., Charlotte, NC. ,Raleigh, NC. , Atlanta, GA. and Birmingham, AL. After retirement he and his wife Martha moved to Panama City Beach, FL. Tom loved the beach and watching the sunset from his deck on the Gulf Coast. He always said he could tell you the month of the year just by looking at where the sun was setting. He lived on the beach for almost 20 years before health issues required him to move closer to family. Tom moved to Merrill Gardens in 2010, but continued to make numerous trips back to his home until he was 90. He was always service oriented and served in leadership roles in the Optimist Club and the Civitan International Organization and served on the Board of Directors with Sunnyside Beach and Tennis Resort. He was a servant of the Lord and an Elder at both Southminster Presbyterian Church in Vestavia Hills, AL. , and Beach Presbyterian in Panama City Breach, FL. Tom moved to Forest Manor Nursing Home in August, 2016. The family would like to thank Dr. Regina Harrell for the outstanding medical care Tom was provided. We would also like to thank some outstanding nursing staff: Mary Hyche at Brookdale Assisted Living, Christine Clary, Dana Foster, and Terri McLaughlin at Forest Manor Nursing Home, Bertha Williams and Yukeitheria McMullen his very kind and attentive direct care staff at Forest Manor. The family would like to recognize Valarie Stallworth who was with him at the end and provided loving care. In addition, Monique Hughes was a caring Provider. Most of all the family would like to thank Cedric Stewart, his loyal and trusted caregiver, since Tom"�s first day in Tuscaloosa. This individual was exemplary in every regard. He is a pleasure to work with and both professional and a joy to be around. Mr. Stewart became like a family member and close friend over the years of association. Cedric functioned as a chauffeur and traveling companion on those trips he took Tom on to Panama City Beach. Tom enjoyed those Alabama Crimson Tide football games that Cedric watched with him as they cheered the Tide to victory. Tom now has a victory in Jesus and we have the sure and certain hope of joining him someday. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church, 271 South Arnold Road Panama City Beach, Florida 32413