Tom Priest was one of my oldest friends. We celebrated his life yesterday and grieved his sudden and unexpected passing. Though he passed into eternity a month ago, I’m still in shock.
We went through elementary school, high school, and college together. We traded baseball cards in 3rd grade. Ran for student council together in 8th grade. We started Georgia Tech on the same day. Played intramural basketball, including some epic battles with the BSU (we triumphed). Post college, we would get meals together whenever we found ourselves in the same city. Tom gave me my most helpful advice when I was considering business school. I followed it to the letter. I’ve been grateful since.
When I moved to LA, Tom came through town a few times on business. Those times were highlights for me. He was kind, intelligent, loyal, and always hilarious. He was a man of deep faith. We always checked in on how we were processing Christ and the things of life whenever it was just the two of us.
Though Tom was one of the most accomplished, gifted and talented people I have ever known, he was also among the most humble. He was ALWAYS present, engaged and caring. I was in a better head and heart space whenever we parted. I ALWAYS wished we had more time. I ALWAYS looked forward to our next meet up.
Tom and I were texting each other on a Saturday a month ago. We were making jokes at the expense of a mutual friend (sorry Andy Hamilton) and trying to set up a time to connect. It had been way too long. Around a year and a half since our last meal. I was looking forward to seeing him soon.
About 72 hours later, Phil Autry called with the news. I cried. I hurt for his wife and three kids. My first thought was, “I can’t imagine life without Tom in it.” I was deeply sad. I still am.
This weekend was truly a celebration of Tom’s incredible life. Dear friends flew in from around the country. It was wonderful. A few went to the Georgia Tech game on Thursday night. We wept at a beautiful service of remembrance yesterday morning. We had a cookout at my house last night. It was wonderful.
Constantly humming in the forefront of my mind, though, was “this is great. I wish Tom were here with us to enjoy it.” He would have been the one smiling the biggest, laughing the loudest, and enjoying it all the most.
Tom Priest loved his wife and kids exceedingly well. I admired him immensely for his depth of care, tenderness and commitment he had for them. He revered his three older brothers. He was a world class leader of industry, as was evident of his accomplished career. More so though, his impact was clear by the scores of his employees and colleagues who showed up for his funeral yesterday.
Tom was a true follower of Christ Jesus.
Tom Priest was my friend. My life is better by a long way because we had a lifetime of friendship. I am grateful beyond words for Tom, his life, and the joy he brought to me and so many others.
I will miss Tom. I look forward to seeing him again.
