Thomas "Tom" Ausley Allison

Thomas Ausley Allison, 92, of Statesville, NC passed away, March 5, 2017 at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born April 24, 1924 in Statesville, NC to the late Major William Locke Allison and Mary Ausley Allison. After graduation from Statesville High School, he attended college at NC State University, studying Architectural Engineering and was also a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Tom enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 7, 1942 and served till 1946. He then continued his service thru Air Force Reserves. In 1949, Tom entered the family-owned millwork business of Statesville Manufacturing Company. He also served as President of Royal Danish Corp. and was owner and operator of Allison Woods. Tom was a past board member of the Statesville Chamber of Commerce and served as president in 1965, a member of the Board of Directors of Statesville Broadcasting Co. from 1949 to 1984, Statesville Planning and Zoning Board 1964-1982 and chairman from 1971-1982, past president of the Statesville City Club, member of the Statesville Country Club, Statesville Cotillion Club, Duck Creek Gun Club, Supervisor on the Iredell Soil and Water Conservation District 1976-1991, Civil Service Commission, St. Andrews Society of NC, Society of the Cincinnati, Rotary Club of Greater Statesville, (Paul Harris Fellow 1987), SCV, Iredell Blues and Piedmont Amateur Astronomy Club. One of Tom’s greatest pleasures growing up was joining the Boy Scouts of America in 1937. He was an Eagle Scout with 64 merit badges and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award in 1972. He served as a District Commissioner in the 1970’s using his farm as a place for camporees for the scouts. Many will remember the years of “Hunt Parties” he hosted with family and friends. On June 24, 1950, Tom married Anita Melville Gemmell of Bristol, VA; who preceded him in death April 14, 1998. In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by a brother, William L. Allison, Jr. and two sisters, Edith Allison Shelton and Bettie Allison Rand. Tom is survived by his children, Ann Allison Kincaid (Tommy), Thomas G. Allison (Wendy), Andrew M. Allison (Channon), William M. Allison (Amanda) and John A. Allison (Deborah). He is further survived by his grandchildren, Maryann Fussell (Josh), Robin Watts (Justin), Thomas W. Allison, Katelin Spencer (Matthew), James Allison, Ausley Allison, Tess Allison, Mallory Allison, Spencer Allison, Audrey Allison, and great grandchildren, Tyler Fussell and Lily James Spencer. Also, step grandchildren, Thom Kincaid (Margaret) daughter, Carter, Stewart Kincaid (Karla) and daughters, Phoebe and Piper, Mary Rouse (Clint) and daughter, Tallula. One brother-in-law survives, Fred Deaton. Surviving nephews, William L. Allison III, William G. Rand, Jr., Sherrill Deaton and Robert Deaton. Surviving nieces are Sarah Allison Johnson, Allison Guess and Margaret Deaton. Tom leaves behind his very special and dear friend Sue Walser. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Scott officiating. A private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday evening 6:00-8:00 pm at Nicholson Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America, First Presbyterian Church of Statesville, NC and to Trinity Episcopal Church of Statesville, NC. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Thomas Ausley Allison.