Mr. Thomas Edward Hornsby

Thomas Edward “Tommy” Hornsby Jr., age 62, of Albertville died Saturday, April 16, 2016. Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Trinity Church of God. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 pm, Monday, April 18, 2016 at Adams Brown Service Funeral Home. Burial will be at Bethany Cemetery. Bishop Wendell Hudsepth and JoAnn Hudspeth will officiate services. Mr. Hornsby is survived by his mother, Teena Hornsby; his son, Jamey Hornsby (Allison); 2 grandchildren, Erika Amos (Griff) and Emilee Hornsby; one great-granddaughter; and 2 sisters, Debra Holcomb (Tim) and Selena Carroll (John). He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Hornsby, and his father, Thomas Edward “Pete” Hornsby Sr. Pallbearers were Griff Amos, James Cowart, Brian “B.B.” Hudspeth, Barron Shankles, James Striplin, Dan Morgan and Stan Burgess. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the trust fund for Josie Hornsby. Donations can be made any Alabama Teachers Credit Union branch. “Anyone that didn't know Tommy, may have found some of his quirks or differences to be strange or odd, but I found them to contain one of the most loving, giving and self sacrificing people I've ever known. Many people reference persons considered saints, such as Mother Theresa or Saint Nicholas, etc.for their lifelong and worldwide charitable contributions. That charity has to begin somewhere and in my eyes, Tommy Hornsby was both literally and figuratively the Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) to the congregation and friends of Trinity Tabernacle Church of God. I know some may often tire of his repetitive, but always interesting stories; but I never did as I always saw the joy, passion and love within his eyes and heart as he spoke. From his every year long search through Trade Days, flea markets, yard sales and anywhere else he saw something that he thought if a specific person could use it in any way and was within his means, that person was going to receive it the next time he saw them. He bought and acquired presents for the church Christmas pageant throughout the year to ensure that no one, especially no child, left the service without a present from "Santa Claus". During our friendship, I had heard someone refer to him as "simple". I quickly had to disagree. There was nothing "simple" about him, other than his love for God, his family, church and friends, but most of all, for his love and his gift of giving. Over these 25 years, I can scarcely recall a time when I ever saw Tommy, that I didn't leave with a gift (treasure) of some kind. I have these little treasures all over my home and in my vehicles and each one holds a special place in my heart. When my heart heals, I hope to share some of those with others, just as he always did. Today, these treasures now hold an even deeper place. Tommy was always a man of meager means, but I have never seen anyone make a dollar go farther. If someone needed anything, he always found a way to obtain it. I honestly think he could have taught the "Wolves of Wall Street" a thing or 2 about making a dollar go further. I've also heard him referred to as a "hoarder". He may have had a lot of things, but almost everything he had was almost always purchased to give to someone else and they were his treasures to give to others. I'm also reminded (if my memory serves) of the time Tommy encountered a burglar in his home. After complying with the intruders commands, the thief began to flee. Upon his departure, Tommy replied to him, "Have a nice day" and he really meant it. That's just the kind of man he was. Tommy, my friend, you will be truly and deeply missed; from playing Santa Claus every Christmas at the church, to our discussions on everything from motorcycles to championship wrestling. I cherish those times and the values by which you lived. You will truly never know your impact on this world as it has propagated further than you could ever imagined. Though my heartbreak is selfish, I'm really going to miss you. Godspeed my brother! I love you and will see you on the other side.” - Todd Hudspeth

Mr. Thomas Edward Hornsby

December 20, 1953 - April 16, 2016