Dr. Frank Thomas Sawyers Jr., known affectionately to all as Tom, left this world on May 22, 2025. He was born on Dec. 16, 1944, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Tom’s parents, Frank Sawyers Sr. and Evelyn Houston Elder made the trek back home to Lincoln County and Tom breezed through Central High School in Fayetteville, Tennessee, with the class of ’62 before diving into the world of medicine, graduating from the University of Tennessee Medical School in ’67 and snagging his PharmD in ’70.

Tom’s life was an eclectic mixtape of experiences. He swapped his mortar and pestle for combat boots during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Germany, ensuring our soldiers had the medical supplies they needed. After serving his country, Tom donned the white coat once more and took on the role of Pharmacist at Walgreens for an impressive 42 years. He hung up his lab coat in 2008, but never lost the urge to help others, or the knack for remembering where every product was placed in the store.

A man who loved a good book almost as much as a good cigar, Tom could often be found with his nose buried in a novel, puffing away and probably plotting his next beach getaway. He and his daughter Heather shared many a sandy trek along Cocoa Beach, their travels down A1A Avenue measured in laughter, deep conversations and loud music. Tom’s passion for music was legendary, with a particular soft spot for every note strummed by Jimmy Buffett. His family can attest that “Margaritaville” was more than just a song to Tom; it was a state of mind. True to his eclectic tastes, he was also a pool shark, often found cue in hand, racking up stripes and solids with his brother, Harry. Whiskey in glass, cat on lap, Tom was the living embodiment of classic cool. He was a man of many interests, but perhaps Tom’s most impressive trait was his encyclopedic knowledge on a dizzying array of topics. One could quiz him on anything from ancient history to the nuances of the latest UT game, and Tom would deliver with incredible accuracy.

Family was important to Tom. Holidays and summer trips to Marietta, Georgia, with his siblings were celebrations. Journeys to Trenton, Tennessee, (his mother’s hometown) were opportunities to slow down, relax, and care for his beloved mother. Generous, thoughtful, and selfless are words that only scratch the surface of describing Tom. He leaves behind his daughter, Heather and her husband Jason, Laura Elizabeth; his first granddaughter, better known as LB; Sawyer McAlister, (Tom’s grandson and namesake); granddaughter, Annalise Kathleen; and grandchildren, James Ridge Wilson, Valli Elizabeth, and Riley Harrison Malone (Amanda). Tom is survived by his brother, Harry Sawyers (Claudia); friend and brother-in-law, Larry Robinson; two favorite nephews, Robert Robinson (Siobhan) and Harry Houston Sawyers (Haiyen). Tom is survived by his “other daughter” and companion, Sarah Cassity; and work friends, Amy and Ellen (Zoe). He is preceded in death by his parents and his eldest sibling, Martha “sister” Robinson. He is preceded in death by his beloved cats, Silky, Casey, and KoKo.

Tom’s departure was sudden and unexpected. While this finality is a tough pill to swallow, let us remember him for the good times we enjoyed; the picture perfect moments he gave us with his Nikon, and all the free knowledge and advice. Dr. Frank Thomas Sawyers, Jr., took his leave with the same grace and mystery with which he lived, leaving behind a treasure trove of tales, a cloud of cigar smoke, and an echo of laughter that will reverberate in the hearts of all who loved him. Here’s to you, Tom, the man who taught us that life, much like a good Jimmy Buffett song, is best enjoyed with a little salt and a slice of lime.