Obituary of Thomas Grady Lovern

Thomas Grady Lovern   (1931-2024)

Thomas Grady Lovern, 92, of St. Petersburg. Fl.  Peacefully went to Heaven in his home, with his family nearby on April 15th, 2024. Tom was married to his beloved wife of 53 years, Marian Lovern. He had a long successful career as the Director of Parks in the following cities: Covington Ga, Wauchula Fl, Gulfport Fl (where he was also acting City Manager), Harvey IL - where he was instrumental in building neighborhood gyms (called barns) where children could have a safe place to do sports, and finally in Bloomingdale, IL -  where he was voted National Youths Sports Man of the Year. Tom was active in youth football, little league, and other ways to support youth in his communities. Later in life, Tom was the owner of a landscaping company with his son, and a vital part of a successful real estate team with his wife, Marian. 

Thomas Grady Lovern was born in Athens, Georgia, on May 30th 1931. He was raised by his mother Ruby Andrews and his two beloved Aunts, Ollie and Florrie. Tom was born miles from the steps of University of Georgia where he also attended and received a bachelor’s degree in education. Tom loved the Georgia Bulldogs and shared this passion with his entire family. Tom was a successful multi-sport athlete at the University of Georgia as a star basketball player and baseball player for the Bulldogs. During his time in school Tom took a leave to serve in the United States Airforce as a radio technician. He served on the Pine Tree line at the Red Cliffs radar installation in Newfoundland Canada. Tom was also involved in a top-secret weapon testing in the Pacific.

Tom met Marian Dugue’, the love of his life, and were married November 12th, 1970. Tom and Marian were best friends and almost never apart. Tom showered Marian with love every day until his passing. He wrote beautiful love letters, grew, and picked his beloved roses for her, read the Bible with her every day, and brought her coffee every morning for over 50 years. Tom never liked to be far from Marian and their love was a rare true love story. Until his passing, Marian was not only a beloved wife but also a caretaker in every way, honoring the vows they made on their wedding day.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved sister Lucille Reddish, brother-in-law Vernon Reddish Sr., nephew Vernon Reddish, Jr. (Bucky), nephew Jay Stalnaker, as well as his daughter Tracy Crabtree. Tom has 4 living children:  Timothy Andrews Lovern, wife Vera; James Thomas Lovern, wife Edna; Ronald Benjamin Lovern, Michelle Villa; and youngest Lisa Marie Hawk, husband Joseph S. Hawk, Jr. Tom loved his Nephew David Reddish; wife Lisa and Niece Nancy Peacock; husband Mike and their children and grandchildren. Tom treasured his time with his grandkids and great grandchildren. Stephan, Angelina, Ethan, Cameron, Marissa, Helena, Miranda, Noah, Aiden, Mason, Venus, Obed, Dara, and Zoe and great grandchildren Tyler, Savannah, Nicholas, and Laila.

Tom was a friend to all. If you met him once, you loved him. At every restaurant, bank, and store, Tom was always known as a ‘favorite customer.’ With his southern charm Tom made everyone feel good about themselves. Tom had an incredible witty sense of humor that never left him until his last days. He loved to joke, play pranks, and make the people he loved smile. If you were a child, you always knew he would find a quarter in your ear or ‘steal your nose.’ A true southern gentleman, he would grab every door and always cared for everyone in need.

Tom will always be remembered for the love he showed and the joy he brought everyone who knew him. We will think of him when the Georgia Bulldogs, Chicago Cubs or Tampa Bay Rays play, when we smell a blooming rose or see a butterfly. He loved space exploration and shared his love of NASA with many of his children and grandchildren. Tom was a devout Christian, and it was important that he shared the faith he had in Jesus Christ with others. We were so honored to have him in our lives to teach us how to laugh through tough times.  We couldn’t have asked for a better Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, friend and will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him, forever.