Tom Ringel, 81, of Fairfield Glade, TN, formerly of Dunlap, IL, passed away at his home with family by his side, on Sunday, June 10, 2012.

Born February 18, 1931, in Peoria, IL, to Wilford P. Ringel and Oakley I. (Chapman) Ringel.  He married Gloria J. Henderson on September 3, 1955, in Creve Coeur, IL.  She survives.  Also surviving are two children, son, Michael (Patti) Ringel of Powder Springs, GA and daughter, Cheryl (David) Aten of Dallas, GA; and five grandchildren, Ian (Sara) Smith, Sean (Kayleigh) Smith, Zachary, Shelby and Seth Aten; two great grandchildren, Colin Smith and Draven Smith.  Also surviving is a brother-in-law, Richard (Joan) Henderson of Neenah, WI and a sister-in-law, Betty Ringel of LaFayette, IL, and several neices and nephews.  Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, William Ringel.

He graduated from Woodruff High School, Peoria, IL.  He joined the Navy Reserves his senior year and worked for Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO) as an electrician before being called to active duty in the U.S. Navy, serving in Korea and Japan.  Upon his return, he attended classes at a local college. He continued to work for CILCO for 34 years.

He was a member of the Dunlap United Methodist Church and since moving to Tennessee, has been a member of the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church. He joined the Kiwanis Club of Dunlap, IL and was active in the AFS foreign exchange program.

He enjoyed wintering in Tucson, AZ for many years, traveling, golfing and making stained glass items for friends and relatives. He enjoyed volunteering for the Crossville Meals on Wheels and at the Cumberland Medical Center (CMC) print shop.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17 at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the FFG United Methodist Church.