Tommy Eldred 76, went home to glory April 4, 2020. After a long battle with the coronavirus, the Lord stopped his heart and received him.
Tommy lived life from his heart. He also lived life with honor, integrity and a genuine honesty as you always knew where you stood with him.

Tommy grew up with his eight brothers and sisters in Memphis Tennessee. When you have that many siblings you always have enough for games of any kind. When tragedy struck his family in 1955 with the death of his father and again in 1957 with the death of his mother, the brothers and sisters clung to each other. The oldest sister Nancy 21 and her new husband Jamie McRae held the family together and raised them in a little house on Horn Lake Road.

When Tommy hit Whitehaven high school, he excelled in sports. Tommy lettered each year in all four sports, but excelled  in football the most. Tommy was named to the "All-American high school football team" his senior year then proceeded to play tail back and punt receiver for the Memphis State Tigers while earning his BBA a degree.

Tommy worked at Delta refinery, construction, and regional salesman for Man manufacturing but finally found his footing with a new company called Federal Express.

After meeting with the young ambitious Fred Smith, he knew this was a good fit. Tommy saw the first box Federal Express moved in 1973 and stayed with the company for 25 years. Tommy was known for his "lead by example "style. He was always ready to help whenever needed.
Tommy would go above and beyond not only in work but in family. His wife Patsy L. Eldred of 56 years was his soulmate. They lived life by traveling the nation while drinking Diet Coke. There isn't a state in the union they haven't been. He loved America and was a very proud American. He instilled that patriotism to his children, Raymond Eldred, Melissa Dalehite (Kelly) , Jeffrey Eldred (Margaret). Tommy left an impression on every person he met. He was the first to answer a call for help and will always stay until the issue was finished, many times in whatever clothes he was wearing including his newest, and favorite. Those that knew Tommy understood that his word was his bond and that his word was as good as a contract or a handshake.

Tommy's love of life especially focused on his grandchildren Brian Rhodes, Hunter Dalehite, James Eldred, Braeden Eldred ,Holly Dalehite, and Emma Eldred.