Thomas "Tom" Robin Hylemon

Thomas Robin Hylemon, 69, passed away on September 29, 2018 at Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center. Tom was born on July 10, 1949 in Kingsport, TN. Tom was a veteran of the United States Navy having served in Vietnam. Tom attended East Tennessee State University and studied Nursing on the GI Bill. Tom was employed at AGC Industries. Tom served as Vice President of Local 456. Upon his retirement, Tom became involved with Steelworkers Organization Of Active Retirees. Tom established many SOAR Groups in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Tom was named SOAR Organizer of the Year in 2000. Tom established the Upper East Tennessee Labor Union Hall of Fame. Tom was inducted into the Upper East Tennessee Labor Union Hall of Fame in 2014. Tom founded East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia Active Retirees in 1997. Tom was devoted to his retiree group and cherished his friendships with his members. Tom was a volunteer for many years for the State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. Tom was an avid NASCAR fan. Tom was a collector of antique toys. Tom was devoted to his family and was a caregiver. Tom was father to many who had no family. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Leta Mildred Thacker; father, Carson Hylemon; brother, Carson Scheryl Hylemon; maternal aunt; Jimmie Ruth Adams. Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Jan Hylemon; son Heath Hylemon; daughter, Holly Harris and husband Allen. Grandchildren: Lindsay Hylemon and fiance Matt Fullen; Meagan Atkins and fiance Parker Golden; Taylor Hylemon and wife Elizabeth, Hickory, NC; and Chelsea Hylemon. Great grandchildren, Colton Hylemon; Zoey Golden and Gavin Lee. Tom had numerous loving friends. The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Carter Trent Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11am in the Carter Trent Funeral Home chapel with Darris Turner officiating. A graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family would request donations be made to Nickelsville Community Meals of Love, Inc. 646 Little Duck Road, Nickelsville, VA 24271. ATTN: Gay Smith, President. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport, is serving the Hylemon family.