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Thomas B. Fish, 80, passed away Friday, November 11, 2022, in Denton, TX with his loving wife and friends by his side. He was known to most as Dad, Tom, or Mr. Fish and his warmth was more than his smile. Tom was born in Los Angeles, CA into the Fish lineage. His love for the water, ocean, and coasts persisted beyond the family name, and into a deep passion for the water. He claimed state titles on his high school swim team, which later transformed into his symbolic pool dive after a late summer’s mow. His strength and comfort came through with every stroke as evidenced in his later years while soaking up summer days poolside in Ft. Worth, Texas. While his years in Seattle, Honolulu, and Santa Rosa were no match, he found tranquility near the water. Like many of his sons to follow, Tom’s devotion to God, country, and family was an honor he humbly stepped into as a Fire Protection Specialist for the United States Air Force. After his time and service, Tom established his career promoting and traveling with the Santa Fe Railway for 28 years, before transitioning to hospitality owner and operator for 10 years. Prior to the pandemic, Tom made his final career move to Paraprofessional support for two local high schools. The lasting force of the global pandemic caused him to retire from his active state. Beyond a deep passion for the water, a devoted career, and an interest to provide, Tom also enjoyed gardening, cooking, animals, building, and the pursuit of ingenuity when fixing cars or the family home. He adored his grandchildren, embraced ways to connect or show up through travel, letters, and electronics. Tom was committed to serving others and supporting the Pilot Point school programs. As his time neared, the celebration of life continued. Knowing birthdays are a recognition of life, a reminder of all that we have learned and experienced, and something worth celebrating, Tom did exactly that. By sheer stubbornness, determination, and strength, Tom celebrated his 80th birthday on October 2, 2022. His friends and family were there to ring in one last trip around the sun. A husband, a father, and grandfather too, his legacy remains with us. Gone but not forgotten. May he rest in peace. Tom is survived by his wife of 30 years, JoAnn Fish; four sons, Marc Fish, Mike Fish, Matt Fish, and Richard Vermillion; three daughters, Nancy Martin, Katie Perry, and Jeanette Vermillion; thirteen grandchildren, Ember & Terra Martin, Madison Thorpe, Owen Hart, Emerson, Hudson, Easton, & Hayden Vermillion, Jaxon Ramsey, Aiden Fish, Nadiya Fish, and Mason and Anna Perry; extended family and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Byron Elihu and Marjorie Ernest Fish; and three sisters, Margie Eade, Donna Pollard, and Dodie Mabbot. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Bradley Shotts and Slay Memorial Funeral Center

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Thomas Byron Fish

October 2, 1942 - November 11, 2022