Thomas William Trotter

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas William Trotter on May 25, 2026, in the comforting presence of his beloved wife, Emma Jo. Born on December 8, 1939, in Cleveland, Tennessee, Thomas was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and steadfast devotion to family and faith. Thomas was the cherished son of the late John and Tennie Belle Trotter and brother to the late Vestal Trotter. He was a devoted husband to Emma Jo, with whom he shared a remarkable 58-year journey of love and partnership since their marriage on June 17, 1967. Together, they nurtured a legacy of love and family that will forever endure. His spirit lives on through his daughter, Cherry Duckett, and her husband, Cary, whose lives he touched with wisdom and kindness. Thomas’s pride and joy were his four grandsons: Caleb Duckett and his wife, Elisabeth; Seth Duckett and his wife, Faith; Kevin Duckett; and Juan Duckett. Their lives are a testament to his enduring love and guidance. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Donna Trotter, nieces Joy Raulerson and her husband, Larry, and Melody Johnson and her husband, Scott, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. Thomas dedicated 30 years to the Pinellas County Tax Collector’s office in Clearwater, Florida, where he served with integrity and diligence. His career was marked by a commitment to service and community, values that he carried into every aspect of his life. A man of deep faith, Thomas was a devoted member of the New Testament Baptist Church until he and Emma Jo relocated to Ohio to be near their daughter. He held a steadfast passion for Duke basketball, often sharing animated conversations about his beloved hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee, with anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. A service celebrating Thomas’s life will be held on June 2, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Kyker Funeral Home, located at 430 Morgan Ave NE, Harriman, TN, 33748. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a man whose life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication. In these moments of reflection and remembrance, the family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Village at St. Edwards, both at Green and Fairlawn, for their compassionate care and support during Thomas’s final days. Though Thomas William Trotter has departed from this world, his spirit remains a guiding light in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith will forever be cherished and celebrated.