Mr. Tommy Douglas Diggs

Biographical Summary: Tommy Douglas Diggs was born on February 14, 1933 in Paris, Tennessee to the proud parents of the late Tommie Lou and Jerry Cornelius Diggs. He was the oldest of three sons. His youngest brother, Dr. John Wayne Diggs preceded him in death in 1995. Tommy made his transition from this earthly life on October 31, 2013 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Tommy cultivated a strong Christian faith early in his life. As a young boy, he became a member of Jones CME Church in Gleason, Tennessee. Later, as a teenager he became an active member of Miles Chapel CME Church in Martin, Tennessee. Tommy graduated from Weakley County High School as Valedictorian of his class in 1949. Tommy took an active role in campus activities at Lane College in Jackson, TN. He was a member of the Honor Society, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the Pan Hellenic Council, and the Young Men's Christian Organization. As a college senior, he was elected President of the Student Council, served as Treasurer of the senior class and was a member of the Fraternity's Executive Board. He was also selected to appear in both the Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities; and Among College Student Leaders. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Lane College where he majored in biology and minored in physical education. Tommy graduated Cum Laude in May 1953. Early in his career, he was employed as an elementary school teacher in Greenfield, Tennessee until he was drafted to serve in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. During his military service, he served with a Medical Detachment at the Presidio (LAH) in San Francisco, California. On April 9, 1956, he married his college sweetheart Beatrice Johnson. To this union, they were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Sharis, Lori and Terryl. Tommy was a strong family man who was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. When a man pleases God, the Windows of Heaven are opened and blessings are poured out. That is priceless. Tommy taught science and math at Seal and Newberry Elementary Schools. In 1969, he received a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Michigan. After becoming an Assistant Principal at Goldberg Elementary School, he then served as Principal at the following schools Franklin Elementary, Sanders Elementary and Sherrard Middle School until his retirement. After 40 years of service, Tommy retired from the Detroit Public School System in 1997. Throughout his entire career, he maintained the highest standard of excellence for his staff, students and community. To his credit, the world has many teachers, lawyers, physicians, business owners and others whose lives have been enhanced because he crossed their path. For over fifty years, he was an active member of Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ. As an Executive Church Officer at Mayflower, he served in various roles including Moderator, Chairman of the Trustee Board, Chairman of the Pastoral Search Committee, Church Council, Treasurer and Auditor. He also sang in the Men's Choir. He was a lifetime member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the NAACP, African American Museum, Lane College Alumni Association, University of Michigan Alumni Association, Detroit Chapter of Moles and Mules Incorporated and the Retired Organization of Supervisors and Administrators. Tommy had a true appreciation for nature and God's seasons of life. He enjoyed traveling the world with the love of his life, Beatrice. During his spare time, he loved to play golf, enjoyed tracing family history and taking photographs. One of his many gifts and talents was his culinary art skills which included entertaining and preparing for Bea's bridge club meetings. It's the little things that matter the most in life. Tommy loved riding his motorcycle, enjoyed his vintage car collection and looked forward to attending the North American Auto Show and the Detroit Dream Cruise every year.

Mr. Tommy Douglas Diggs

February 14, 1933 - October 31, 2013