THOM TAPP, RETIRED MINISTER, CARTOONIST, DIES

By Connie Davis Bushey
News Editor, Baptist and Reflector

KINGSTON — Thomas “Thom” Tapp, 65, retired pastor and cartoonist, died June 11 in Kingston. His cartoons were published for many years in the Baptist and Reflector and are still featured on Baptist Press.

He was retired pastor, Oral Baptist Church, Lenoir City. He also was pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Loretto; Orchard View Baptist Church, Oliver Springs; and Daysville Baptist Church, Rockwood. Tapp also was the author of several books featuring his artwork.

His ministry focused on being a personal witness to people. Tapp also felt humor was a gift from God, as the Scripture says, “A merry heart doeth good as a medicine,” his family reported in his obituary.

Additionally, Tapp was a archaeologist, astronomer, and photographer.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gail, three children, and four grandchildren.