Harold Thomas "Tom" Lucas

Harold Thomas Lucas was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on September 26, 1947 and passed away peacefully in Columbia, Tennessee on February 21, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie Clift Lucas and Harold Warde Lucas.  Tom graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy in 1965, and went on to study business at the University of Tennessee. He was drafted in 1967.  Tom graduated from the United States Army’s Officer Candidate School and served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Captain by age 22.  He was decorated for heroism and meritorious service and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge among other honors.  After the Vietnam war, Tom returned to Middle Tennessee and began his career at Lucas Chevrolet and Cadillac in Columbia.  Throughout his career, Tom was active in the Tennessee Automotive Association, where he served as president, regional vice president, secretary-treasurer, and on the board of directors.  He was also an active member of the National Auto Dealers Association since 1981.  In 2015, he was recognized as a finalist of the Time Magazine Dealer of the Year.  Throughout his life, Tom was an active supporter of his community.  He was a longtime advocate of the American Cancer Society through his participation in Un Ete du Vin, United Way of Maury County and of the James K. Polk Memorial Association.  Tom also supported the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club and the United Way.  He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Graymere Country Club. Tom is survived by wife, Tonnya Lindsey Lucas and stepdaughter Whisey Taylor Jarrell (Jason). He will be missed by his sisters Melanie Lucas Evanko, Allison Lucas Cantonis (Jim), and Julie Lucas Saxon (Malcolm). He also leaves behind nieces Anne Taylor Tipton Manning, Elizabeth Tipton Musick, Grace Arwin Clift Evanko, and nephew Lucas Brooks Evanko, and many cousins whom he loved. The family would like to thank special caregivers Brittany Vaughn, Bobbye Lea Jones, Eddetta Lee and Wanda Konig; as well as all the wonderful staff at NHC- Maury Regional.  Memorials may be made to the James K. Polk Memorial Association, First Presbyterian Church, or the Boys and Girls Club of Maury County. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.