Thomas Michael McAvoy entered into rest, peacefully at home, on November 15, 2007, with his family at his side Tom was born on November 3, 1931, to Leo and Bertha McAvoy in Kansas City, Mo. He spent his youth traveling with his family to Chicago, Ill., Toledo, Ohio, and Redding and Fort Bragg, Calif., before settling in Sacramento. He graduated from Liberty High School in Liberty, Mo., and Sacramento City College and proudly served our country in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Tom married Janet LaVerne Nimblet on November 21, 1952. They spent the next 55 years together and their inseparable love produced four children: Linda Keller of Florida and Lori Ferguson (Bob), Michael McAvoy, and Teri Hicks (John), of Sacramento, and nephew Kevin Connell of Wichita, Kans., nine grandchildren, Brett Keller (Joey), Matthew Keller, Heather Keller, Kristi Keller, Colleen Winks (Will), Allen Ferguson, Michelle Hicks, John Hicks Jr., and Julia Hicks, and six great-grandchildren, Chrystian Keller, Bailey Keller, Autymn Keller, Logan Keller, Austyn Keller, and Trystan Keller.

Tom worked for the Pacific Bell Phone Company - or "Ma Bell" as he fondly called it - for twenty years. He then worked as a salesman at local car dealerships and in recent years found his true path to our Lord at Hope Community Church, where he attended, worked and served as Deacon and Usher. He could light up a room with his Irish charm and great sense of humor. Being Irish, he loved Notre Dame, and was a big 49ers fan! He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all. He will be forever missed.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Sunday, December 2, at 12:15 p.m., at Hope Community Church, 2020 Ethan Way. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Lung Association or American Cancer Society.
Published in the Sacramento Bee from 11/24/2007 - 11/25/2007