Mr. Thomas George Bartlett Jr.

1928 - 2016

Mr. Thomas George Bartlett Jr. obituary, 1928-2016

Thomas Bartlett Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 20, 2016.

Thomas "Tommy" George Bartlett, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. The Scenic City legend was 88.

Few athletes can match Tommy Bartlett's years on this Earth. There was basketball, swimming, tennis, coaching, and of course, Essie Mae Roberts, family and friends.

The Bartlett's were members of First Baptist Church and the Waters Sunday School Class.

Born in Homersville, GA., on June 6, 1928, he was raised an only child by his mother after his dad died three days after Tommy's birth following a fall off a ladder. Mom and infant son moved to Knoxville, where Tommy's athletic abilities would later soar.

Basketball was his first love, but tennis came about unexpectedly in Tommy's life when he picked up a racquet and won the first tournament he entered as a youth, the Knoxville City Championship. He captured the title four consecutive years. Tommy also won Knoxville City Championships in swimming and ping pong.

After graduating from Knoxville High School, Tommy served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946 -48, then entered the University of Tennessee. In basketball, he was captain of the 1952 team, earning ALL-SEC accolades. On the tennis court, Tommy captained the 1951 Volunteers and never lost a collegiate singles match. He also was a standout member of the UT swim team, drawing praise from one of his coaches, who noted, "Bartlett's one of the greatest all-around athletes in UT history". Tommy graduated Cum Laude from UT in 1952, majoring in Health & Physical Education. He began his coaching career at Dandridge High School in Jefferson County, then moved on to Lenoir City. His combined prep coaching record was a staggering 205 wins, 29 losses. Collegiately, Tommy first landed a job at Carson-Newman, then accepted the positions of head basketball and tennis coach at the University of Chattanooga. He later returned to UT as a basketball assistant to the legendary Ray Mears, then took over as head basketball coach at the University of Florida. Tommy's Gators stood toe to toe with Adolph Rupp's Kentucky Wildcats, the teams evenly splitting their dozen showdowns. Bartlett's collegiate basketball coaching mark at UC and Florida stood at 468 – 151.

Tommy returned to the Scenic City in 1979 as UT-Chattanooga head men's and women's tennis coach and manager-head pro at the Manker Patten Tennis Club. Tommy's tennis game leaped into high gear following his 45th birthday when he annually collected city, state (more than 60, singles and doubles), Southern (50) and national championships (31). He was inducted into 11 sports halls of fame, including the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1986, the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame in 1991 and the ITA National Hall of Fame. It was in 1987 when Bartlett spoke of his accomplishments, saying, "I'm a lucky, lucky man. I admit I've had more than my fair share of good things come my way. You just have to be in the right place at the right time, and I have done just that". Tommy concluded a 33 year coaching career (basketball and tennis) of 1,083 wins, 251 defeats. He was also name Coach of the Year on 18 occasions, three times earned Pro of the Year honors and claimed Payer of the Year awards 17 times. Tommy and Essie retired from Manker Patten on December 1, 1996.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Marie Bartlett Owenbey.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Essie Bartlett; sons, Thomas (Tamela) Bartlett, III, William (Sue) Bartlett and Michael Bartlett; grandsons, Thomas Bartlett, IV (girlfriend, Sarah Egner) and Tanner Moss; granddaughter, Claire Bartlett.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 am to 12 Noon on Monday, October 24, at First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, 401 Gateway Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Funeral Services for Tommy will follow at 12 pm on Monday at the church with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry and Lea Clower officiating. Burial will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caris Healthcare, 5959 Shallowford Road, Suite 551, Chattanooga, TN 37421 or First Baptist Church of Chattanooga.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

April 1, 2017

Liz Weging

Gary and I(Liz) are so saddened to hear of your Dad,Mike...We lost your number,if you see this.message please call us..Liz and Gary WegingSt.Augustine,Fl...904-444-4033 or Liz @904-501-4468

October 26, 2016

Denise Tucci

I only met Tommy one time, at his induction into our Southern Tennis Hall of Fame. Just the sweetest man ever!!! I will always think of him fondly.

October 24, 2016

Dr Bill Dwyer

Dear Essie,
I know you were married to a great man and Sports History has recorded all his many achievements. I was fortunate enough to have him for lessons, and unfortunate enough to face in in a Tournament at Manker! My best knowledge of him, and of you, was gained when I became his Surgeon. He was brave and you were his secret strength, not only through his Cancer but through many of life's challenges. God blessed him and may God bless you.

October 24, 2016

Martha Ann Bass

Though I never had the privilege of working with Tommy I was always so inspired by his kindness talent and knowledge.
One of my favorite memories is of watching him play from the balcony at Manker and thinking him to truly be one of the best and most effective clay court players I had ever seen!
I know how much he will be deeply missed and how many lives he impacted in such positive and inspiring ways
My best thoughts prayers and love to all

October 23, 2016

Joe Grace

Dear Esse
I was very sorry to hear of Tommy passing on.What a great man.
For all accomplished he was most humble and had no ego. I will always remember that I was one the first to meet him with Dick Bowers when he brought him by my apartment office. You people were such an asset to Tampa Florida . You and Tommy had so many friends. My dear Robinjust loved the man.She feels bad about it. She said he was so helpful to her life of tennis. I will let some people know about it. God blessyou in your sorrow and the families? Vivian sends her condolences.

October 22, 2016

Dr. Robert N. Braswell

To the Bartlett family:
I was a special fan of Tommy. I was active in the Tip-Off Club and a member of the UAA BOD at FLORIDA. Tommy was loved by all of us. He the call to be nice to all. I am sad to know that it has ended, but his spirit remains.
Dr. Bob Braswell, Tallahassee, FL

October 22, 2016

Vonnie Peterson

I was a young mother of Steve Lukco and my ex-husband Ed was coached by Tommy. I loved your family and I even got to babysit for your boys when you all went away at times. I am sorry to hear of Tommys death. I loved him and your family !

October 21, 2016

Albert King

I had the privilege of knowing Tommy sixty years ago when I was a teenager. He was the director of the Knoxville YMCA summer camp and also a student teacher at West High School. He was the kind of person I wanted to be - quiet, polite, and competitive. I have followed his career through the news throughout my life. It is no surprise he was a success in many ways. He touched many people in a wonderful way. I now thank him belatedly for the example he set. My condolences to the family during the sadness of loss but also the final triumphant gain.

October 21, 2016

Barry Brooks

Mrs. Bartlett, Please accept my condolences on the passing of Coach B. It was an honor to have known such a great person.

October 21, 2016

Fred Burdick

Essie, Tommy was a skilled player and asset to the US Professional Tennis Association and Southern Division. He will always be remembered for his easy smile and tennis skills. Our prayers are with you and your family

Fred Burdick, Ex. Director Emeritus, USPTA, Southern Division

October 20, 2016

Hazel Davis

Essie,
I am so Sorry to hear about Tommy, my heart goes out to you and your family during this time. Keeping you in our prayers.

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Memorial Events
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Oct

24

Visitation

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Chattanooga

401 Gateway Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Oct

24

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church of Chattanooga

401 Gateway Ave, Chattanooga, TN

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