Tom O. Edge
THOMAS "TOM" O. EDGE
OCTOBER 1, 1938- - JUNE 15, 2025
Tom was born in Lumberton, North Carolina October 1, 1938 to parents John W. Edge and Dora V. Musselwhite, both of North Carolina. His older sister was Elaine Ward of Astatula, FL. He passed away in Dickson,Tennessee June 15, 2025.
At the age of 6, Tom’s family moved to Winter Park, Florida, where he grew up and graduated from the local Winter Park High School.
Tom worked at his older sister’s family farm, where he became enamored with the cattle. He was active in the 4H Club, where he won many prizes for his hand-raised Guernsey cows. His greatest prize in life was also found in those 4H show rings: the love of his life, Jeanette Foote Edge. (She was showing Jerseys.) They began dating as young teenagers and wed in 1961. They were married for 63 years.
After working for his brother-in-law, Tom began his own dairy farm in Kissimmee, Florida. He and Jeanette operated a herd of 400+ livestock for many years. On the farm, he delighted in running earth moving equipment and performing many veterinary functions, including an emergency c-section on a heifer. And if you ever noticed that Tom didn’t wear his wedding band, there’s a farm story for that…
He met our Lord and Savior while attending Fairview Shores Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida. His life of faith began with his baptism in Lake Fairview. He carried his love for Christ throughout his marriage, his family, his work, and his community. Every meal required a blessing. Tom’s home was filled with faith and love and family.
After their second daughter was born, Tom & Jeanette sold the farm to pursue a new adventure: the advertising newspaper business. This brought them to Dickson, Tennessee. The entrepreneurial duo simultaneously operated multiple businesses: the Dickson Camping Center, the Needlecraft Nook, and the Dickson Shopper. The award-winning Dickson Shopper bloomed over the next 14 years, helping local merchants connect with the shopping public. Along the way, the Dickson Shopper hatched spin-off papers in adjoining counties to serve those businesses and local residents.
Tom sold the Dickson Shopper and “retired” to work at Hillmont Christian Camp as a project manager and board member. He was happiest when he was busy and making a difference somewhere. He was a faithful servant, children’s Sunday School teacher, deacon and active participant at Dickson First Baptist Church.
Tom was committed to his faith, his work, and most of all his family. He loved to travel and showed his family the world. He loved his dogs. And he really loved his girls… who both gave him all boys for grandchildren!
Tom was preceded in death by his parents John and Dora Edge, and his sister Elaine Ward. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Foote Edge; his daughters Annette (Steve) Cox of Pelham, TN; Jenny (Greg) Hardgrave of Kennesaw, GA; his grandchildren Haven Hardgrave and Brendan (Emily), Hayden, Camden, Jordan, and Kaden Cox; and his great granddaughter.
Visitation will be at Taylor Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Following visitation graveside service will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Dickson Union Cemetery officiated by Dr. Bill Sherman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dickson Humane Society in Tom’s name. https://www.humanesocietyofdickson.com/product/memorial-donation/
