Former Union County Sheriff Thomas L. “Tommy” Keaton, 80, died Feb. 26. He was a longtime political and community leader in East Tennessee.
Mr. Keaton posted a 30-year career in the Tennessee Highway Patrol, retiring in 1990 as a sergeant. He served as sheriff from 1990-94. In retirement, he was active at the Cedar Ford Baptist Church in Luttrell and was a frequent participant at the county’s senior center.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley D. Keaton, their four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Trinity Funeral Home in Maynardville. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. Obituary here.