Obituary of Thomas Ireland Chrismon

Thomas Ireland "Tom" Chrismon, 89, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor passed away on August 19 at his home after several years of declining health. A celebration of his life will take place at 2pm on August 24 at Friendship United Methodist Church in Browns Summit with the Reverends Drew Hellams and Debra Swing officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Lakeview Memorial Park following the service. Tom was born on February 23, 1928 to David Scott and Vallie Lambeth Chrismon. He graduated from Monticello High School where he played on the school basketball and baseball teams. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Pauline Venable, who preceded him in death. Tom was a self-employed farmer who took great pride in tending the family farm. He was known in the community for his strawberries and watermelons, always having a superb garden, and for his skills in raising tobacco. At age 32 he was recognized by the Cooperative Extension Service as an outstanding farmer and selected to attend the short course in farming at NC State. After a serious farming accident, he worked for John H. Harland Company until his retirement. He was active in the community, serving on the local school advisory board for many years. He was a faithful member of Friendship United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, served on various committees, was a member of the United Methodist Men, and sang in the church choir. He took great joy in singing with his brothers and sister in the Chrismon Quartet for many years. In addition to his wife, Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Frances Chrismon and Eleanor Fleming. He is survived by his son and daughter in law Thomas (Ricky) and Patricia Chrismon; daughter and son in law Debra and Gary Swing; grandchildren Channing and wife June Avery Chrismon of Whitsett, NC; Kevin Chrismon of Browns Summit; Matthew Swing of Gyumri, Armenia; Shelley and husband Sean Sandmaier of Laurel, MD; great-grandchildren Avery Grace Chrismon and Reid Chrismon; brothers Elmo Chrismon and Dwight (Mary Sue) Chrismon; sister Pauline Holt and many nephews and nieces. The family requests that memorials be sent to Friendship United Methodist Church, P O Box 462 Browns Summit, NC 27214, or the Television Ministry of First United Methodist Church -High Point, 512 N. Main Street, High Point, NC 27260. The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, the caregivers of Home Instead, and many other caregivers for their professional and loving care for Tom. Online condolences can be made at www.lambethtroxlerfuneralhome.com.