Tom was born in Elizabethton, Tennessee and grew up in Hampton, Virginia. He graduated from Unaka High School in 1968 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 1972 and his Master of Science in Environmental Health degree from ETSU in 1976. He enjoys camping, hiking, and researching family and local history. He currently lives in Carter County, Tennessee.

Tom was born in Elizabethton, Tennessee and grew up in Hampton, Virginia. He graduated from Unaka High School in 1968 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 1972 and his Master of Science in Environmental Health degree from ETSU in 1976. He enjoys camping, hiking, and researching family and local history. He currently lives in Carter County, Tennessee.