“Chattanooga Tom” Phillips has died at the age of 67, following a lengthy bout with cancer. He was a proud native of Dalton, GA, and was a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves, the Dalton State Roadrunners, and the Dalton High Catamounts.
During his long broadcasting career, primarily in Chattanooga and Dalton, Tom was a bright bundle of positive energy. Always a laugh, with a permanent smile on his face, he embraced every song, every commercial, and every promotion with sincere joy. “The Duke of Dalton” loved people, and when you met Tom, you met a new best friend. His “Chattanooga Tom” TV show on WFLI-TV which featured music videos, won national awards in the 1990s. He was quite a musician too.
L-R: Rich and Tom Phillips
He and his older brother Rich shared a love for radio, and a strong bond of friendship. It was rare to see one without the other.
Tom cherished his radio friends, and due to his illness, he was unable to attend our most recent radio reunion. When I visited him a physical rehabilitation facility in Dalton on December 5th, it was his first day of what was supposed to be a twenty-day rehab program, to build his strength. He was sharp as ever, and we shared old radio stories about our many mutual friends. He was looking forward to our next get-together in the spring of 2023, and we both had no doubt he would be up and running by then.
He loved life so much, and was so determined to recover, it never crossed my mind that I would be writing this just 18 days later. Tom passed away knowing he was loved, not just by the family he adored, but by his many radio colleagues, and countless listeners, some of whom he had never actually met. If you ever heard “Chattanooga Tom” on the radio, you knew he sincerely wanted you to have a great day, because it was clear he was having the time of his life.
I’m sad I can no longer look forward to a personal encounter with Tom, but I’m comforted by the fact that his smile, his voice, and giving spirit will always be a part of me.
On Father’s Day 2021, his daughter Meleia, one of our greatest educators, penned this tribute to her dad. In just a few short lines, she sums up the essence of the kindest, most genuine man I have ever known.
From Meleia:
He loves to be outside.
When I wondered what 100 mph felt like in a car, he took me to try it.
He loves the moon, Little Debbies, the Roadrunners and the Braves.
When I was a freshman in college, he helped me study for every final.
He can play music by ear, and just about any instrument.
When he laughs, he really laughs–to the point he sometimes can’t stop.
He loves Jesus and knows that Jesus loves him.
When something good happens for others, he is sincerely happy for them.
He is the funniest person I know and always willing to dress up as Santa.
When I can’t find humor in any situation, he finds it.
He would give you the shirt off his back.
When I was 15, I didn’t want to work. He filled the job application out at Red Food and took me everyday because he believes in earning what you have.
He is a deep thinker.
He values his community and serves others with a glad heart.
He studies anything he does until he masters it.
He is honest.
He is peaceful and listens to others.
He is my dad!
SO SORRY to hear this David. Tom trained me early on at WBLJ Dalton and had fun working with him at WFLI. Such a great fun guy who helped us younger guys getting started. I absolutely hate hearing this. Blessings and peace to Rich and the family as these guys were instrumental in my early years of getting started in radio. Truly sad.
Jack “Rockin” Roland. Wheat Ridge CO
He played the best rendition of wipeout on the drums I’ve ever heard!
He always reminded me that I introduced him to Micky Gilley. I think Alan Jackson was responsible for the Chattanooga part of Chattanooga Tom. Needless to say, Tom and I shared tremendous amount of respect for each other. RIP my dear friend
Tom was my first boy friend in middle school at Fort Hill. I remember he gave me a lock of his hair in a letter one time. He was the best guy ever. Always smiling. He will be missed by many.
Thank you for the article and for visiting Tom. He and Rich are radio legends and important parts of the Dalton community. I still believe in the power of radio. Whether you called Chattanooga Tom, the Duke of Dalton, a colleague, or just plain friend he always had that smile. We already miss you, Tom.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Rich, I never had the pleasure of meeting your brother.
Y’all are in my prayers.
Shocked and sad to hear of the passing of brother Tom. He made me feel like his brother. I would be blessed to have Tom as my brother. I am so glad Tom was in my life. Friends like him are few and very rare to have.
We all loved him so much! He loved life, respected everyone he encountered and most importantly, loved Jesus. His life reflected that which is rare! Chattanooga Tom, we will miss you – and never ever forget you.
That Sux Out Loud – he was fighting ’til the end. The last time I played music with anyone was with Tom & Rich earlier this year. We had plans to do more but fate would intervene. RIP Tom – I will miss you brother.
Loved. Tom. I. Had. The. Honor. Of. Meeting. Him. One. Night. At. A. Fellowship. We. Belonged. Too. His. Daughter. Was. With. Him. He. Gave. Me. 2. Tickets. To. See. Herman’s. Hermits. At. A. Club. On. Brainerd. Rd. I. Will. Always. Cherish. This. Memory. RIP. My. Friend
He was a great guy. He loved to make people laugh and had a heart as big as his smile. He will be missed.
Tom was magic ! He always shared happiness, energy and kindness.
His voice sent waves of of magic!
His smile was a ray of sunshine 🌞
A mixture of tears and smiles we share !
Thank you Tom !
Rest In Peace !
Tom sure lit the room up every time I was honored to be in his presence
He had fair in others until we had it for ourselves
He will be missed dearly
I can’t put into words the genuiness of his character. He made everyone he met feel that they were important. He sure loves his King Jesus. If you didn’t know he loved Jesus, all you had to do was talk to him for about 90 seconds and he’d tell you he loved Jesus.
I remember when Tom and I worked at competing country stations around 1990 and went on the same music industry trip to L.A. Almost everyone else wanted to play golf one afternoon, which neither of us was interested in. The weather was beautiful, so we rented a T-top Thunderbird and I drove us around for hours – Santa Monica Bouleveard to the beach, where we hung out for a while, then continued on our journey. We talked and laughed about so many things. This is just one of many great memories I have of Chattanooga Tom. R.I P.
I would like say something regarding Tom and his love for others. Jesus says love him first but to love others was the second thing. I knew Rich, his brother even better, whom i think the world of him too.. I got to meet Tom about 4 years ago but it did not take long to see Christ in him. Very genuine gentleman. You definitely will be missed. Prayers for you, Rich. I know yall were close.
I had the pleasure of working with Tom at WDOD for about a year circa 1989. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever known or worked with. He would give you the shirt off his back! I lived at Toms house until I found a place to live when coming to Chattanooga. I have great memories of Tom and his Brother Rich! God Bless you Tom! You are loved by all who knew you! RIP dear friend!
Here it is January beginning a New Year 2023. I have just been become aware of Tom Phillips passing. I felt truly like a brother to Rich and Tom Phillips. Two very special friends in my life throughout many years. Tom is with Jesus now and I miss him very much. See you soon Tom.
I Love You Brother!
Tom was a great friend while we were together at WDOD. He brought so much life and laughter to me and so many. Heart so full . Miss him and look forward to seeing him in Glory one day. He loves Jesus with a passion and is in no pain and complete joy today .