I met Tom Haddox on what turned out to be the last full day of his life.

We were at a conference in North Carolina together.  He delivered an incredibly thought-provoking paper on the works on Walker Percy – what Percy's novels convey to us about the human experience and whether modern-day college students have been allowed to develop the categories of understanding that might enable them to confront the enduring truths that Percy asks us to consider.  It was a paper that I knew I was going to have to read or hear again, as there was much in it that I wanted to ruminate on.  I went up to talk to Tom after his panel was over, but there were a number of people who got to him first, and so I just left…

Tom came up to me after the Mass that was a part of this conference we were attending, and we talked.  I asked, and he told me he would send me his paper.  It was a brilliantly sunny day, and I was struck by the kindness in his voice and his eyes.  I could tell he was the sort of literature professor whom undergraduate students adore.

I was stunned to learn that he died the next day.  To his wife and his children, I say I know your grief – but your shock at having a life interrupted in this way is something I can only begin to imagine.

I am angry and sad that I will never know Tom Haddox beyond that brief and fortunate conversation.  But I want you to know that your husband and father was moving people and leaving an indelible mark on them right up until the end of his life.

My love to you all. -- Maura

I was privileged enough to have Dr. Haddox as an instructor and an advisor during my time in graduate school at the University of Tennessee. He was without question one of the most brilliant and thoughtful men I have ever encountered. I think of him, and his insights on southern literature and culture, often. It goes without saying that he made a lasting impression on me (both personally and professionally).

Prayers for his family and friends throughout this difficult period.

Dr. Haddox was one of the kindest professors I have ever known. While he was in charge of many consequential leadership decisions for the English department and the University, it was the constant small and careful decisions made in the best interest of his students that demonstrated his devotion to the craft of teaching. Although, it has been almost twenty years since I took his course in the American South, I am grateful for the time spent in his classroom. He modeled excellence for us all. 
May all who loved him find peace in your memories. And may you know that his kindness and intelligence brightened our lives. 
Deepest Sympathies,
Bethann Bowman

We had the privilege for many years of checking out books to your family and seeing them grow up. Much love and prayers to your family.

I had Dr. Haddox for English 376 during my senior year, and Dr. Haddox gave me one of my very favorite memories from my English degree:

We were in class, reading As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. Many of the students thought that it was too hard to read, and that if it could be written more simply, why wouldn’t it be? Dr. Haddox listened to every single one of those comments, weaved it into the discussion, and kept us wondering. One specific answer he got, and I will remember this forever, was “I mean… I don’t know. All I ever think about is chicken wings and my girlfriend so like… if there’s an easier way to say this, why wouldn’t he describe it that way? I think then I’d enjoy it.” Dr. Haddox, as he always did, smiled, opened up his hands to signal to the class that it was ours to continue discussing, and immediately wrapped that comment into the discussion, making everyone, pro OR con chicken wings, ready to keep theorizing. He was amazing at that. Only later did my dad, also a UT English professor, tell me that he was a Faulkner scholar. Dr. Haddox, knowing more than anyone else in the room by lightyears, made us feel like equals, sharing our opinions about art. I would come away thinking, “how did he POSSIBLY get us back to the main point of the discussion?” He always did. I always left knowing more, and knowing that every single one of my classmates felt the same way. 

I went, SO quickly, from having dreaded that class to wondering what the discussion topic would be the next day and hoping that Dr. Haddox liked the arguments I was making in my papers. I never once felt bored in his classes. I learned so much from him. 

I’m sending strength and love to all of his loved ones. He will be missed.

My daughter skates with Lizzi and I only know Tom from the rink. I know he was an involved and cherished father. May God’s grace lift up his family. Prayers for all!

I was the librarian at St Ignatius School in Mobile, Al.  where Tom got his early education .  From an early age I knew he was destined for great things.  Watching his love of reading and learning was a clue as to what his future would  become.   In my 30 years as an educator some students always remain in my memory, and Tom was indeed one of those very special students.  I’m sure those young people he taught will have fond memories of his classes and how he loved the written word!  Gone too soon, sending my thoughts and prayers to all the family .  “Love from Mrs. Z”

Professor Haddox was an incandescently brilliant, compassionate teacher and advisor to me. I had the distinct privilege of being his student in two graduate courses. Professor Haddox never graded and commented on assignments unfairly, but he did have high expectations and standards. His feedback felt like refinement. His class discussions felt like mining for a finite, priceless resource as he pressed us to continue to analyze and share our thoughts and interpretations from the latest readings. His love for literature was undeniable. I will miss him.

I am heartbroken to hear of Tom's passing. Tom was brilliant, a truly gifted writer, and the kindest human being.  I had the honor of counting Tom as one of my wonderful students at Tulane University.  He wrote beautiful, unmatched essays in my Southern Literature class and I knew he would go on to distinguish himself as a writer, an intellectual, and a teacher. He was deeply respected and admired by his Southern Literature family and bridged so many scholarly communities,  but every time I met him at a conference, he wanted first and foremost to talk about his family. He loved every one of you with an open-hearted joy.

Dear Honor, James, Lizzie, Anthony and Joey, I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine your pain. Tom was such a good man. I had the pleasure of working side by side when he was the associate head in English.   He was one of only a few who could follow all the rules and yet still manage all the care and compassion in the world. He managed a large pool of lecturers and earned their respect quickly because he was fair and honest and they knew he had their backs.  Tom also loved his family so much.  It was evident in the family stories he shared with Judith and I in the office.   We loved his stories.   I am very lucky to have ever had the pleasure to know Tom and I will miss him.   Honor, if ever there is anything I can help you with, errands, kids, whatever, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I live South too and would be happy to help.   I will keep you all in my prayers for peace in the days ahead.  Much love!

My sincere condolences and prayers to the family. I graduated with Tom at McGill Toolen. I remember him and his musical talent. He was such a gifted pianist. He was also such a kind gentleman. 
I also worked for years with Margaret at Mobile Infirmary. 
Please know that my heart goes out to all. And you are all in my prayers.

I am so incredibly saddened to hear this. Tom made me feel so welcome during the graduate program and was a big supporter of me and my work. Tom made me feel like I was exactly where I needed to be and that I was a valued voice in the room. I will always remember his kindness and generosity.

OBITUARY

Thomas "Tom" Fredrick Haddox

May 23, 1972 – October 13, 2024

Berry Funeral Home

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