Mr. Thomas Wayne Frey, age 78, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Knob Creek Baptist Church with Pastor Steven McCollum officiating. Burial will follow in Knob Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will also be held on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the church. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on September 1, 1947, in Binghamton, New York, Thomas was the son of the late Thomas Allen Frey and the late Ethelyn Allen Frey. He was a proud alumnus of Florida State University. While living in Pompano Beach, Florida, he met the love of his life, Gail Frey. The two shared sixty beautiful years of devotion and companionship before her passing on February 22, 2025.

Thomas dedicated his life to hard work and service. He was a skilled building contractor, owning and operating Tom Frey Contractors for thirty-five years in Florida and an additional twenty years in Tennessee. Providing for his family and serving others through his work was truly his calling.

Known affectionately as “Poppy,” Thomas was a man with a heart of gold. He was never without a smile, never spoke ill of anyone, and never considered anyone a stranger. His positive, outgoing nature touched countless lives. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he cherished his church family at Knob Creek Baptist Church. Above all, he loved God and lived his life guided by faith.

He is survived by his daughters, Theresa (David) Fitzgerald, Tammy (James) Parker, brother, Norman Frey, grandchildren, Trina Bullis, Trisha Bullis, Alyssa (Edward) De’Jesus, Krista Hinson, Ross (Hannah) Minimi, Savannah (Mason) Caves, and great grandchildren, Anthony Bullis, Colton Hinson, Carson Bullis-Hafner, Giovani De’Jesus, Brixton Bullis-Hafner, Sophia De’Jesus, Isabella Shannon, Douglas Shannon, and Marina Minimi.