Thomas Edward Diggs, age 81, a resident of Oliver Springs, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at his home.
Mr. Diggs was born Jan. 7, 1932, in Oliver Springs. He was a lifelong resident of this area.
Following his high school graduation, Mr. Diggs entered into the U.S. Army and served his country in the Korean War. While serving, he received several medals, citations, badges, and commendations, including the Korean Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. After his military discharge, he entered into the U.S. Army Reserve and continued serving his country until he received a U. S. military retirement.
He received both civil and mechanical engineering degrees from the University of Tennessee. He began employment at Martin-Marietta and retired in 1991 as a civil engineer, following 30 years of service.
Mr. Diggs was a member of the St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge. He was a licensed pilot and a charter member of the Oak Ridge Flyers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert H. Diggs and Mildred Disney Diggs Roseberry; by his wife of 56 years, Betty R. Diggs; and by a special aunt, Mamie Lee Diggs.
Tommy is survived by a son, Thomas E. Diggs II, MD, and wife Carol, of LaJolla, Calif.; by a daughter, Bettina D. Cox and husband Sam, of Oliver Springs; and by grandchildren, Jason and Jenna Diggs and Hannah and Victoria Cox.
He is also survived by a sister, Mary Malone of Kentucky; by brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Haun of Kentucky, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Roseberry of Georgia; and by several extended family members and special friends.
Graveside services, will full military honors, will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the Oliver Springs Historical Society or the St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge.
Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.
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