Dr. Thomas Walton Green, Jr.

Dr. Thomas Walton Green Jr., aged 79, died peacefully on Thursday, November 28, 2024. 

Born to Dr. Thomas W. and Mrs. Cornelia Green, in Richmond, VA, Tom was an athlete, a farmer and fisherman, a physician, a father, and a loving spouse. 

 Tom excelled at baseball and basketball, playing for Tennessee High School, and for the University of Richmond, for which he was inducted into the NCAA Division I Hall of Fame. He also played while a student at the Medical College of Virginia and during his two years of service in the Navy as a Lieutenant JG at Quantico, VA. Tom did his internal medicine residency through the University of Virginia, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Salem, VA., before returning to Bristol to join his father, Dr. Green, Sr. and uncle, Dr. Waverly Green, in their internal medicine practice. Tom served as a community physician, and clinical professor for East Tennessee State University School of Medicine for 47 years, teaching generations of physicians and caring for thousands of patients who loved “Dr. Tom.” 

 Tom grew up spending time with his grandparents at the family farm in Crewe, VA, and on the Chesapeake Bay. Tom loved farming and fishing – being outdoors–– where he could observe nature’s beauty and work to enjoy nature’s bounty: making jellies and jams to share with family, friends, and patients. Tom was curious about the world, a voracious reader, an avid sports fan, and he loved to travel, especially cruises with his wife, Sharon. Tom was quick to offer help, loved animals on the farm and at home, and encouraged curiosity, hard work, and kindness for his children. . 

 Tom leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Mrs. Sharon O. Green of Blountville, TN and seven children: Ms. Barbara Ann Mendler of Cary, NC; Dr. Thomas W. Green III (Leslie) of Ashboro, NC; Mr. Andrew W. Green (Cathy) of Richmond VA; Dr. Virginia L. Bartlett (Preston) of Baton-Rouge, LA; Mrs. Elizabeth G. Elliott (Neal) of Roanoke VA; Dr. Adam T. Green (Erin) of Worcester MA; and Mrs. Kemble L. Green (Garrett) of Eugene, OR. Tom was the loving grandfather of 12 grandchildren and he is survived by all six of his siblings and their spouses, and many nieces and nephews. A large contingent of cats will also miss him terribly. 

Visitation with the family will be held 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.  Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. David Gary officiating.  Interment will follow in Old Glade Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  Dr. Daniel Marsh, Mr. John Marsh, Mr. Andrew Green, Mr. Garrett Bryant, Mr. Neal Elliott, and Mr. Larry Overbay will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon and Tom’s children are requesting donations to non-profit causes that he cared about deeply: animals, kids, and the Chesapeake. Thus, please consider the Margaret B. Mitchell Spay/Neuter Clinic, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.  The family of Dr. Thomas Walton Green, Jr. is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.