A Life Lived: Tom Vaughn made people his work and ministry

Published 12:06 pm Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Thomas “Tom” Vaughn spent most of his working years in the fast food industry. He had worked as owner/operator of Pal’s at the Johnson City Mall for 21 years before retiring. Prior to that he had worked at McDonald’s and Arby’s.

“He was a pro when it came to a burger,” said his wife, Lynda Kay. “And, he wanted a clean kitchen and dining room. He wanted everything to be clean and neat. Pal’s was a good venture for him. He enjoyed his time with the company. He made a lot of friends while working at Pal’s. He enjoyed giving, even if it wasn’t anything but a drink. Tom was a good man, a hard worker, and he loved his family,” Linda shared.

Roger Thomas “Tom” Vaughn, Jr. died Feb. 6 at the age of 70.

Tom’s trademark was his smile. A fellow operator, Jerry King of Kingsport, wrote on the funeral home tribute page, “Tom was kind, humble, gracious, and funny and he always had a smile on his face.” Another person, Bobbie Massengill, wrote: “I don’t think I can ever remember (Tom) without a smile on his face. He was a great influence on the kids who worked for him…Tom usually knew their names and what they would order. Tom would sit with us then he had a break.”

In addition to his work, Tom loved his family and his church, Pleasant Beach Baptist Church. He had served as a deacon at the church for 25 years, and his wife noted that the had also served the church as treasurer and in other capacities. “He was very faithful to his church in both attendance and service. Tom loved the Lord,” said his wife.

Also close to his heart were his two sons, Tommy and Kevin, their wives, and his grandchildren, Tee, Carter, Jaxson, Callie and Collin, and a granddaughter by love, Audrey Faith Holland. “He coveted the time spent with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed his time with family so much,” said Lynda, who noted Tom lived 38-1/2 years – over half of his life – with heart disease. “He had a good doctor and received excellent care.”

When he had a little off-time, Tom enjoyed the downtown car shows, and oftentimes would bring his 1966 Volkswagen to the show. And, in his spare time he enjoyed washing down the house and sidewalk. “That was just his thing,” said Linda.

“Tom gave his all to to whatever he did, whether it be his work, the church, his family, and friends. He was a very compassionate and caring person, and among his greatest desires was to see his children serve the Lord. And, thankfully, he saw that,” said Linda.

Tom Vaughn leaves a big void in the business world as well as the whole community. So many people knew him and had heard him share his testimony – to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. He leaves us a good example to follow.