BOAZ — Thomas Elliott Rist, 82, of Boaz died Thursday at 7:50 a.m. at Vanderbilt Medical Center.

Tom was born January 16, 1930, in Clarington, Ohio, to the late Roy and Margaret Dunn Rist. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1973, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He also retired from Sears as a Customer Service Manager, then worked at Sears again after his retirement in the appliance department. He was a longtime and very active member of Massac United Methodist Church.

Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Barbara Stettler Rist; two children, Melanie (Chuck) Liles of Boaz and Thomas “Toby” Rist Jr. of Nashville; three grandchildren, Brooke (Mike) Lawrence, Meagan (Mike) Wray, and Hunter (Becky) Yewell; six great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Lawrence, Madilyn Wray, Miley Wray, Blake Wray, Allie Rist, Eden Yewell and one great-granddaughter, due in January, Elli-J Lawrence; and a sister, Virginia (Robert) Smith of Sweckley, Pa. His dogs, Bear, Bo and Chester, will miss him dearly as well.

A Celebration of Life for Tom Rist will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Massac United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Smithmier officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at 5 p.m. Monday at the church. It was Thomas’ wish to be a donor for the advancement of science and research to the Genesis program of Memphis, Tenn.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Massac United Methodist Church, 2065 Mayfield-Metropolis Road, Paducah, KY 42001.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com. Lone Oak Chapel of Milner and Orr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.