Thomas Pepper

Thomas Ray Pepper returned to God June 4, 2006 while his beloved stepson, Andy, held his hand. Tom fought a long and courageous battle with cancer, and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Born September 1, 1947 to Joseph and Lida Pepper, Tom resided most of his life in Akron. He lived in Gadsden, Alabama for a number of years while working for Goodyear, but Akron was home. He was a very proud graduate of Akron Central High School, and maintained ties with friends from school his entire life. It seems fitting that his school and he departed his life at the same time. Tom was a lifelong baseball player and a diehard Indians and Browns fan. He was an All City baseball player at Central. Most recently, when his knees did not allow softball, he played golf, loving and hating every minute of it. He and his wife of 12 years and best friend, Dee, traveled, and had great adventures on Amtrak, attended many rock concerts, classical concerts, the ballet, and loved hiking. Tom would try any activity, and thoroughly loved life. Tom was extremely close to his son Bryan and enjoyed visiting Bryan's farm and looking at cars together. When he and Dee married, Tom gained 3 additional sons, never to be called stepsons. They were just his. Anyone who knew Tom also knows he loved his pets including French Bulldogs Mac, Lofty, and Freddie, and cats Tyler, Pricilla, and Moe. They were never far from their Dad, and miss him terribly! He retired in 2004 with 38 years service from Goodyear/Hayes-Lemmerz International. He was a long time union rep and loved every minute of it. Six years ago, Tom took on his favorite role when he became a Grampy to Maxwell and then 4 years later to his "baby girl", Eliza. What adventures they had! There were backyard camp outs, hikes to "Big Bear Mountain", ghost stories, and endless fun. He loved those children with all his heart, and they adored their Grampy. In the past year, Tom traveled to two places he had dreamed of, Muir Woods in San Francisco and the state of Maine. He was in awe of God's majesty in both places. His spirit will definitely be amongst the giant redwoods he loved so much. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves his wife, Dee (Delores), sons Bryan Pepper, Blaine C. Brinton, II, William Alford, and Andrew Alford; sister Barbara (Skip) Mousetes; nephews James (Maryanne) Mousetes, Steven Mousetes; and great-nephew and niece Alex and Katie Mousetes. In addition, he leaves his best buddies and beloved grandchildren, Maxwell and Eliza Brinton. There are too many friends to mention, but special friends include Douglas Clute, Steven Kelly, John Stanley, and Jack Hefner. A special thanks goes to Nat and Jim of Hospice of Summa for their loving care, and the staff of 7 East at Akron City. Cremation has taken place. Calling hours will be Thursday, June 8, 2006 from 4-8 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. A memorial service will be Friday, 3 p.m. at the funeral home, Rev. Stacey Jenkins presiding. Friends are asked to bring their favorite Tommy stories to share. Tom had requested donations be made in his memory to the French Bulldog Rescue Network or the Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley, California. Online condolences may be made at www.NewcomerFamily.com.



Newcomer Funeral Home, 330-784-3334.