William Thomas "Tom" Espy

William Thomas "Tom" Espy, age 87, of Canton, GA passed away Friday, December 13, 2024 at his residence.

Tom was born in Gadsden, Alabama, where he grew up not far from his future wife, Ann. After high school, Tom went into the United States Army where he served for two years. Tom then attended Howard College, now Samford University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in theology. Tom and Ann were married while Tom was a student in college, and they also welcomed their first son,Terry, during this time.

While Tom was at Howard, he felt God leading him into the ministry. Tom and Ann moved to New Orleans so that Tom could attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. They also welcomed their second son, Todd during this time. Tom and Ann welcomed their daughter, Amy, while Tom was serving as a pastor of his first church in Meridian, Mississippi. Tom served as a senior pastor in several churches in Mississippi and Alabama over the next 25 years. Tom and Ann felt led of God to the mission field in 1993. He and Ann then served as missionaries in Wales with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention for thirteen years. Tom and Ann retired from the mission field to Memphis, Tennessee. Tom was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church until recent years, when his health prohibited attending services, but he was a member there for the remainder of his life.

Funeral services are scheduled for 12:00 PM, on Friday, December 27, 2024, from the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home with Dr. David Haynes, and Dr. Wendell Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Georgia National Cemetery on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm with Honors by the United States Army.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at the South Canton Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by, Parents: Lee B. and Mary Espy, Half Brother: Lee Edwin Espy and 2 Sisters: Maggie Frix and Anne Witherspoon

Survivors include:

Wife of 62 Years: Ann Espy

Son - Terry Espy and wife Brenda

Son - Todd Espy and wife Bonnie

Daughter - Amy Sproule and husband Stephen

Grandchildren - Thomas, Abigail (Travis), Elisabeth, Anna (Zachary) Emma, Peter (Chelsea), Aidan, Emily (Chris), Caleb (Annalise), Elise (Daniel), Benjamin (Vivienne), Micah, Seth and Luke

Great Grandchildren - Cash, Audrey, Adam and 2 on the way

Several Nieces, Nephews, Friends and other Family also survive.

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com