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Thomas Frederick Baxley, better known as Tom, lost his battle with prostate cancer on February 23, 2017. After a lengthy hospital stay he convinced the doctors to let him return home, where, with his wife and best friend for over 40 years, Carolyn, by his side he peacefully died. Between them, Tom and Carolyn have five children: Lori Kovacs (Gary), Tom Baxley, Jr. (Traci), Ben Ackinclose (Tracy), Leigh Meneses (Dio), Rob Ackinclose (Heidi) and seventeen grandchildren. Tom dearly loved them all.
Tom was a 1960 graduate of N. Miami High School following his brother, Bill, who graduated the year before. There he was an avid sportsman in football, track and notably basketball where the team won the 1960 Class AA State Championship. He continued to excel in sports and in life. He graduated from the University of Florida where he played basketball, serving as team captain his senior year. After earning his PhD in Analytic Philosophy from Florida State University, Tom began teaching at Florida Atlantic University where he taught multiple courses. At that time he started playing hand ball and was the Florida State Open champion in singles and doubles for many years. He retired from teaching and chairing the Philosophy Department at FAU after 35 years. Tom enjoyed family, tennis, making repairs and helping everyone. There was not anything he couldn’t fix.
For all of Tom’s accomplishments, and these are just the highlights, the two characteristics most people remember most about him are his goodness and his humor. He certainly had an abundance of both. Rest in peace my dearly beloved until we can be together again.
Messages of condolence may be shared or viewed by visiting www.GeorgiaCremation.com. The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation 3570 Buford Highway, #202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678)584-0914
Fred & Julieta Hannum says
Tommy
I will always remember your spirit in the good times and bad.
I always thought it was amazing how you could do anything from sports to sculpting.
To his family. I can only say that you had the privilege of being with one of the grandest people I ever knew. My family and I will be praying for you.
NORMAN BROWN says
My experiences with Tom were both brief and limited. We met playing tennis with a group of “OGs” (old guys) gathering weekly in Macon, Georgia on the campus of Mercer University. I too enjoyed and was thoroughly impressed by the enlightening and broad subject matter, specificity and details of conversations we indulged in. Tom’s “never met a stranger” character; warm and engaging humorous personality, made conversation easy and enjoyable. Extreme value and many blessings were added to my life by the short-term and brief opportunity to be associated with Thomas Fredrick Baxley.
I thank Carolyn and all family members for sharing Tom with those of us who took time to know him; and those who did not get to know Tom, even a little bit, missed the treat of knowing a very special and unique human being.
Marina Banchetti and Clevis Headley says
We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing and we offer our most heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren. We will always remember Tom very fondly as a dear colleague and friend. He was always there for us to offer support, advice, and words of wisdom. But we will also always remember his wonderful wit and sense of humor. We will always be grateful that we had the chance to know Tom and we will miss him.
Debra C. Rosenthal says
Dr. Baxley taught one of my first college classes, in the mid-1970’s at FAU. He became a mentor and I considered him a role model. I went on to an academic career myself, and I wrote him once or twice in the ensuing years to thank him for the care and enthusiasm he brought to his students. I still recall Tom explaining Godel’s Theorem in his office. What a wonderful teacher. My sympathies to his family and friends.
David says
Dr. Baxley taught me 2x in Symbolic Logic. The fact that I had to take it twice was my doing certainly not his. Even philosophy was my minor I remember Dr Baxley as one of my most influential professors. I’m sorry he’s passed and I hope his family finds comfort. He was a great man and even though he passed briefly through my life he left a lasting impression. He was a good egg thats for sure.
Don McKay says
Sorry, I just came across Tom’s obituary. I had the pleasure of playing basketball with him at North Miami High School. In addition to being a great athlete, Tom was an excellent student and a fun guy to be around.
John Orgera says
Tom and I both attended north miami senior high and graduated together 1960. Played one game of 3 man basket ball with Tom. We had the three Tom played alone. We played our hearts out and were unsuccessful.
Bob Miller says
Sorry, I just heard of Tom’s passing. I played handball with Tom for over 25 years at the Ft. Lauderdale YMCA and Boca Raton JCC and lost quite often.
My condolences to Carolyn and family. You will be missed.