Earl Thomas Warner

Published 8:48 am Friday, April 18, 2025

Earl Thomas “Tommy” Warner, 92, of Elizabethton, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Hillview Skilled Nursing. He was born to the late John “Earl” Warner and Beulah Swaffer Warner in Drumright, Oklahoma. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Glen Warner (Evanda); a sister, Ruby Stokes; children, T.J. (Tommy Joe) Warner, P.J. (Pandy) Warner, and Lisa Warner; and a nephew, John Little.

Tommy was a fun-loving and charismatic man who loved his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was often known as a ladies’ man and was still a flirt in his later years. Tommy enjoyed boating, motorcycles and cars. He built his first motorcycle when he was very young. He was a tooling engineer. Tommy founded Aircraft Engineering Corp. in 1959 in Paramount, California. Tommy ran the company for over 50 years. His employees were like family to him. Tommy accomplished more than dreamed by many.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Nathan Little-Warner, Dana Story, Debbie Halman Pixlar and Kami Forrester-Wood; grandchildren he shared life with, Jeremy Warner and Taylor Story; great-grandchildren he shared life with, Wyatt Warner, Lilly Warner, Aurora Warner and Jacob Warner; his ex-wife and caregiver, Susan Little Warner; in-laws, Jacob and Ida Tkatch; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ralph Little Jr. (Karen Little); and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie Little (Paul DeRiddler, M.D.); nieces and nephews Tommy shared life with, Glenna Warner, Abby Warner, John Stokes, Perri Lynn Stokes, Jason Little and Jeff Little Sr.; as well as many other special nieces, nephews and other family members. He was loved deeply during his life and will be greatly missed.

The family will have a celebration of Tommy’s life on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Tetrick Funeral Home in Elizabethton with Pastor Randy English officiating. The family has requested that those attending the service may wear Hawaiian/floral-style shirts or dress attire in honor of Tommy. Graveside services will be held privately by the family at a later time.

The family has requested that those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers donate to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. The URL link is http://curealz.org/outreach/in-memory/earl-tommy-warner/

The family would like to give a special thank you to Brittany Morefield and Elizabeth Baker. They would also like to thank everyone at the Cleveland Clinic; the nurses, doctors and staff of Karing Hearts in Johnson City; the nurses and staff of Hillview Skilled Nursing, as well as the Hillview physical therapy and speech therapy department; and the staff of Franklin Woods Community Hospital for all of their love and care during his illness. They also want to recognize Kingsport Adult Day Care LLC for the friendship, time and attention they gave to Tommy when he needed it. Thank you, Michelle!

Tetrick Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Earl Thomas “Tommy” Warner. (423) 542-2232.