Obituary of Thomas Spann

A Life Well-Lived 

Thomas Edward “Bay” Spann transitioned home peacefully on May 10, 2023, in Nashville TN at the age of 79. He was the youngest(spoiled) son of late Arthur and Hattie Mae Spann.

Thomas was educated in Nashville. He attended and graduated from Haynes. While at Haynes he played the trumpet in the school band.

At an early age Thomas was baptized at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. He participated in Sunday School and sung in the choir.  He later joined Key Stewart United Methodist Church and sung with the Male Choir and was active in the United Methodist Men Organization.

In 1961, Thomas married Patricia Harding and to this union three children were born.

In 1993, Thomas married Sylvia Bass and her two children were added to the family. He also filled the shoes of an adoptative father to others who needed his love and care.

Thomas loved his kids, but grandkids and great-grand kids were the apple of his eye. He always wanted to know how they were doing and if they needed anything.

Thomas walked through Avco-Textron doors as a sweeper and left as a manager of Quality Assurance. After retiring from Avco-Textron after 30 years of service, he discovered his true passion -photography.

Thomas was an accomplished photographer.  Often, he would go to Centennial Park to take photos of the beautiful backdrop God provided, the trees, and flowers. He was the photographer for all family birthdays, weddings, and family entertainment events around town.  He never accepted pay for his photography skills but when forced to accept some form of payment he would say” just pay to have the film developed.” He also found joy in riding his old on his Smyrna property. With the tractor steering wheel in one hand and a shotgun to frighten off aggressive wildlife in the other.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Elease Spann Williams, Richard Arthur Spann, and Eula Mae Spann Kirk Williams.

Left to view photos and to develop unprocessed films: a devoted wife, Sylvia Spann Children: Michelle (Kenneth) Chunn, Darryl Spann, Tim Spann, Markell Rice, NaCole (Charles) Robb, Selina Louise and children, Sydney Rice and children. Grandchildren: Thomas Jamal (ShaTika) Spann, Veasha Robinson, ShaKela Washington, Xyiondria and, Zion Robb. Great-grandchildren: Khalon Spann, Kylee, McKinley and Chasity Campbell, Averi Williams, Anaya Steele. Godson: Josh Carter. Brother: William (Rosalind) Spann. Sister: Linda (Pete) Cloyd. Sidekick: Darnell Bass, Dontai Gleaves. Devoted Friends: Roy Jackson, Cynthia Wiggins, Tina Welch. Childhood Friend: Bobby Taylor. Neighbors: Paul Troutman and others from the Four Maples community, as well a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, Sister-in-laws, Brother-in-laws, Mt. Nebo and Key Stewart church family.

Please keep the Spann family in your thoughts and prayers.