HAZARD, KY--The Reverend Thomas Otey Feamster Jr., age 89, husband of Betty Baldwin Feamster, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard, KY. Born in Warwick, VA on October 23, 1930, Tom was the son of the late Thomas Otey and Gladys Kincaid Feamster. Tom attended William & Mary and Florida State University. In 1955, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams and traded to the Baltimore Colts in 1956.

Tom left the NFL to pursue an insurance career in Tallahassee, FL until he attended the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He was ordained in 1971, beginning his journey of service through the Episcopal Church. He served parishes in Florida, Tennessee, New Jersey and North Carolina, retiring from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Louisburg, NC in 1995. A great preacher and advocate for peace and restorative justice, some of his proudest moments were serving as a death row chaplain at the Florida State Penitentiary where he fought tirelessly against the death penalty for more than a decade.

Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years Betty; three daughters: Tracy Feamster, Gerry Roll (Dan) & Abby Thomas (Ken); five grandchildren: Chris Feamster (Taylor), Les Roll (Maggie), CJ Martin, Kenny Thomas and Keith Thomas; four beautiful great-grandchildren; and a legacy of lives touched throughout his life.

Donations in his memory should be made to the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, 420 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701

Memorial Services will be held on a future date.

Paid Obituary