Thomas E. Tracy

Thomas E. Tracy, 89, of Mooresville, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Cumberland Trace. He was born in Indianapolis on July 11, 1934, to the late Louis and Iva (Newlin) Tracy. Tom attended Monrovia High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after, specializing as a jet engine mechanic. He spent 45 years working for General Motors as a forklift mechanic, heavy equipment operator, and semi-truck driver. Tom was a master mechanic who could fix anything and even invented the first automatic car starter. He especially enjoyed small engine repairs.

Tom was a self-taught musician. He played the piano by ear and learned to play the guitar at age 8. He was the lead singer in many bands throughout his life. Tom lived the winter months in Okeechobee, Florida for several years of his retirement. He enjoyed leading a country music band there called, “4 Thorns and a Rose.” He was also the sound technician for the park for shows and church services in the auditorium. A big hobby of Tom’s was gardening and he was proficient in unique irrigation and propagation techniques. He enjoyed his small raised bed of tomatoes he grew while living at Cumberland Trace. Tom also liked to travel and took the family to 38 of the 50 states. He studied genealogy and often incorporated that into the itinerary.

In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his brother, Bert Tracy; and sisters, Shirley Rouse, Elfrieda Cooney, and Mary Martha Tracy. Survivors include his children, Tominda (Randy) Hayes, Robert Tracy, Rebecca (Mark) Grimmer, and Ryan (Michele) Tracy; brother, William Tracy; sister, Bonnie Pierce; grandchildren, Katelyn (Dylan Howard) Hayes, Dylan Hayes, Trinity Tracy, Kyle Tracy, Addison Tracy, Jack Grimmer; and one great-grandson, Koi Kha.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, December 27^th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the chapel at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville.  Tom’s Life Celebration® Service will begin at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 28^th at the funeral home.  There will be an hour of visiting prior to the service.  He will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Hall Cemetery in Monrovia following the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude, 7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 355
Minneapolis, MN 55439. Please visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or sign the guest registry.