Thomas "Tommy" Wall

Thomas (Tommy) Wall of Nashville, Tennessee passed away on June 24th at the age of 78. He passed away in Spring Hill, Tennessee while recovering from a medical procedure related to his battle with cancer. Tommy is survived by his wife Mitzi Wall, daughters Andrea (Russell) Jones, Cassandra (Stephen) Penick, and Kendra (Marc) Highland, his sister Carolyn King, eleven grandchildren Amanda Baldwin, Kelsie Brewer, Kaylee Penick, Rachel Bunn, Keaton Penick, Hannah Highland, Kendal Penick, Isaac Highland, Kyeler Penick, Hallie Highland, Nathan Highland, Zamarious Cadena (honorary), six great-grandchildren Tommy, Joanna, Elijah, Juliet, Stella and Noah. He also leaves behind his beloved fur baby Taffy. He was preceded by his parents, Mack and Hallie Wall. When asked the common courtesy question, “How are you?” Tommy Wall’s favorite response was always, “It’s just another day in paradise.” He is a man who lived 78 years of life, and he was thankful for every minute of it. When asked to sum up his life, Tommy once said, “I have been blessed a lot further than I can ever deserve.” Growing up, Tommy had two loving parents and one sister. Tommy’s father owned an auto salvage yard, West Nashville Auto Recycling, and at the age of twelve he started working there on Saturdays for 25 cents an hour. A couple years later, when Tommy was a junior in high school, he met the love of his life, Mitzi, in the high school cafeteria. They had their first date at a high school football game, and they were married just shy of 60 years. After graduating high school, Tommy went on to get a degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Tennessee. After his father retired, Tommy ended up running the family business, West Nashville Auto Recycling. Of his many careers, the family business is the one he was the most known for. He continued his career in engineering even after leaving the auto salvage business. He worked in research and development for AirSept, an engineering company, from 2006 until the time of his death. Tommy was known to be a man who works hard but plays harder. One of his favorite hobbies in his twenties was racing go karts. He would travel all over the south to race go karts with his daughters. He always enjoyed being active and fun. When Tommy was younger, he drove a large van that was painted with an image of a woman wearing a bikini on it. He often drove to church in this van and the people there would make fun of him. When commenting on driving his van to church, Tommy stated, “yeah, I was a rebel.” Later in life, one of Tommy’s favorite hobbies became visiting casinos in Tunica. Another hobby of his was playing the lottery because he found enjoyment in attempting to get rich. His other hobbies included: boating, snow skiing, traveling, building model airplanes, piloting single engine planes, and hosting meals with family and friends where his famous blue cheese dressing was served. Not only did Tommy enjoy many hobbies, but he also loved to give back to his community. One way that he continuously contributed to his community was through his church, Western Hills Church of Christ. He loved his church, as he was an active member who devoted much of his time and resources to the church. He was also a regular volunteer for Disaster Relief, conducted blood runs for the Red Cross and always loved helping others. He was known as “Mr. Fix It” to many. He was also an avid traveler. His many travels with his beloved wife and friends included trips to: Ephesus in Turkey, Mexico, flying on the Concorde, several cruises including the QE2, the Caribbean, London, and Venice just to name a few. Tommy led an adventurous life full of hard work, hobbies, and travel but above all else, he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He was known to his grandchildren as “Grandaddy.” When asked what advice he would like to give his grandchildren, Grandaddy said, “The only thing that sticks out in my mind more than anything is that you can’t take it back. That goes for anything you say or do. When it’s done, it’s done.” He treasured his grandchildren and the rest of his family dearly, and he was always a great example of God’s unconditional love for others. He will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at Western Hills Church of Christ, 7565 Charlotte Pike in Nashville, TN on Sunday July 16th from 2:00-4:00 pm with a Celebration of Life Ceremony to follow at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Western Hills Church of Christ or A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation. Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104 (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue's only locally owned burial & cremation provider.