Thomas Alva Austin

June 7, 1948 - November 22, 2021

Thomas Alva Austin, know as Tommy and lovingly referred to as “The Judge,” age 73 of Harriman, TN passed away peacefully on Monday, November 22, 2021. Tommy was a native of Harriman and spent his life dedicates to the betterment of Roane County. Tommy was a graduate of Harriman High School, class of 1966. He was voted Mr. Harriman High School that year, a title that was extremely fitting. Tommy further continued his education after High School by attending Hiwassee College on a baseball scholarship where he earned an Associate in Arts degree, class of 1968. He then attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Class of 1971. Additionally, Tommy obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Memphis State University of Law, Class of 1975. In 1978, Tommy was appointed General Sessions Court Judge in Roane County. Tommy was the youngest person to ever be appointed to this position in the state of Tennessee. He continued serving the citizens of Roane County in this position for 28 years. As a Judge, Tommy was known to be both fair and compassionate. Many people appreciated his ability to approach cases as more gray and less black and white. He strived to treat people with equitability, while still gracefully enforcing the law. In his spare time and retirement, Tommy was an avid golfer and member of Lakeside Golf Course. He actively participated in many tournaments at Lakeside and surrounding golf courses. He also loved playing recreationally. In addition to his golf passion, Tommy was passionate about politics, cars, antiques, rock and roll music, traveling, sports, and history. He could often be seen in his 1970 Dodge Challenger to which he drove frequently through Roane County, also one of his favorite pastimes. He also served as the Treasurer of the Men’s Auxiliary for the Roane County Branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was an active participant in many of the fundraisers and golf tournaments hosted by the organization. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Alva Austin and his brother, Art Austin. He is also preceded in death by many of his beloved friends. Tommy dearly loved his children and they dearly loved him in return. They were his pride and joy. He diligently stayed connected to all four of his kids and supported them on their individual life paths. He is survived by his children, Thomas Kaine Austin and fiancé Fernanda Biselli, Ashley Austin Parson and husband Matt, Abbey Austin-Guadagnoli and husband Justin, and Carl Hartman Austin. He is also survived by his four Grandchildren; Thomas Collins Austin, Eloise Kate Austin, Nola Jaymes Parsons, and Isla Jane Guadagnoli. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date, anyone who knew Tommy knew him to be the life of the party and his children intend to celebrate the extraordinary life he created and lived. He will be dearly missed as he was not just a judge, he was THE judge and the court is now adjourned. Kyker Funeral Home of Harriman is serving the Austin Family.