Thomas Taylor Cherry's Obituary
Thomas Taylor Cherry was born on June 22, 1938 to William McCoy Cherry and Mary Catherine Taylor in Hollis, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of three children. While growing up in Hollis, his family owned the LaVista Soda Shop and “Tommy” loved a good chocolate soda for the rest of his life. When “Tommy” was young, his family moved to Texas and remained there throughout his formative years. He was a smaller boy, and in order to prove himself to his peers, he worked hard to excel in sports. He especially loved running. He ran as fast as lightening. He attended Arlington Heights High School and later attended Arlington State College. While a college student, Tom enjoyed being a part of the ROTC program. He served as the Platoon Sergeant of Company D. He had aspirations of joining the U.S. Army, but was denied due to a heart murmur.
In 1966, Tom and his first wife, Barbara Karen Grider, were found by missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were taught about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. They were baptized into the church and remained faithful to it their entire lives. Together they raised a family of 8 children in Fort Worth, Texas. His dedicated, persevering work ethic set an excellent example for his children. For a time, Tom sold Life Insurance with John Hancock Life Insurance Company and won trips and other awards for performing as the company’s top seller. He was a generous man with those he felt were in need.
In 1986, Tom moved his family to the Provo, Utah area. In 2001, Tom met and married Carol Mortimer, a very talented pianist and piano teacher. Together, they spent many years serving as Temple workers in the Provo, Utah Temple. Tom and Carol enjoyed watching and cheering on their grandchildren in their various sports and musical activities. He was an avid BYU Football fan. In fact, his family sometimes thought he might take to flight when he clapped vigorously for his team’s successful plays. Tom was always motivated to eat healthy and take care of his body, except for the occasional “pinch” of chocolate.
Tom is survived by his wife, Carol Mortimer Cherry, one brother, Bill of West Jordan, Utah; 8 children: Caren (John) Jennings of Weatherford, Texas; Taylor (Amanda) Cherry of Justin, Texas; Carter (Rashel) Cherry of Eagle Mountain, Utah; Larissa (Jake) Evans of Orem, Utah; Lesli Hinshaw of Salt Lake City, Utah; Shelby (Steven) Strong of Orem, Utah; Kacey Cherry of Arizona; and Parker Cherry of Salt Lake City, Utah; 5 step children: Jay (Megan) Heath of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Chad (Alison) Heath of Oregon; Scott (Robin) Heath of Heber, Utah; Rebecca (Mike) Shirts of Vineyard, Utah; and David (Jimeen) Heath of Tennessee; as well as many grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Linda, his first wife, Barbara, an infant granddaughter, Aislinn Hinshaw, and an infant grandson, Andrew Evans.
Tom Cherry was a man who never quit. No matter what life threw at him, he dusted himself off, picked up the ball, and continued on his way. The greatest legacy he left behind is his love for and devotion to serving Jesus Christ. He was ready to receive his eternal reward when he took his last breath at home, while holding his sweetheart’s hand. He returned to his Heavenly home on Friday, June 2, 2023. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at the LDS Chapel at 3511 North 180 East in Provo, Utah at 11:00 am. His viewing will be one hour prior, at 10:00 am. Internment will be at the Orem City Cemetery (1520 North 800 East).
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