Thomas Owen Shute, Sr.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,

Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day:

And not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.

Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me.”-- II Timothy 4:6-9

Thomas Owen Shute was born in Nortonville, Kentucky to Robert and Martha Shute. At an early age his parents moved to Earlington, Kentucky where he attended public school and graduated from J. W. Million High School.  After High School he worked as a Pullman Porter as a baggage carrier for the railroad for one year.  

At the age of 24 he entered the United States Army in December of 1942. His decorations and citations were World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, AP Theater Ribbon, and One Bronze Service Star. After an honorable discharge he settled in Nashville, Tennessee where he worked for the Louisville and Nashville Railroads where he retired as a Switchman.

Thomas was baptized while serving in the military and he was later united with Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church where he became a faithful member of the Brotherhood Choir and later became a Trustee of the Church until our Heavenly Father called him home. Thomas was a faithful servant of the Lord throughout his life. Even when he was not able to attend service he would listen to recordings from Mt. Gilead services.

Thomas met the love of his life Mildred Moseley (deceased). To this union, three children were born. Thomas O. Shute Jr. (deceased), Blondell Shute-Kennedy, and Alicia Shute-Simmons. 

He leaves to cherish his memory and to mourn his passing two devoted daughters, Blondell Shute-Kennedy (his fulltime caregiver) and Alicia (Julius) Simmons Jr.; grandchildren: Tanya (Dante) Shute-Bryant, Louisiana, devoted grandson Christian Young, Tennessee, devoted granddaughter Pedrielle Kennedy-Shelatz and devoted son-in-law Joseph Shelatz, Virginia, devoted grandson Pedro Kennedy, Virginia, Julius (Trey) Simmons III and Rovin Simmons, Georgia; great grandchildren: Tamir Bryant, Lauren Bryant, Londun Kennedy, Mason Kennedy, Reuel Kennedy, and Ryder Shelatz; sister-in-law Doris Randle, Indiana, brother in-law, Roy (Louise) Moseley, Kentucky; devoted nieces, Karen Cartmell and Myra Payne, devoted nephew, Tilliman (Kimberly) Payne III; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.