Thomas Hurt Repass

Thomas Hurt Repass, 79, of Jonesborough, TN passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by loved ones, after a lengthy illness.

Tom Repass was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather who had a gentle heart, a quick wit, a great laugh and a strong faith. Tom was born in Roanoke, VA and raised in nearby Salem, VA, the youngest of four boys. He attended Andrew Lewis High School where he played tennis and belonged to numerous clubs. He first attended the University of Richmond before transferring to Methodist University where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While at Methodist, Tom met the love of his life, Carolyn Whited Repass, and promptly relocated to Johnson City, TN after graduation. He served his country as a Medic in the Army Reserves.

Tom began his professional career with Johnson City Insurance, eventually becoming a Vice President. In 1980, he founded Corporate Systems Administration, Inc., a firm specializing in the design and administration of self-funded health benefits and other employee benefit-related programs for business. As the CEO of Corporate Systems, Tom was an innovator as the first to develop Third Party Administration in the region and was instrumental in expanding healthcare coverage options in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Over the next 20 years, Corporate Systems grew from a startup to a thriving business that employed over 100 people. During this time, Tom held several leadership positions in the health insurance industry, namely as a director of the National Association of Employee Benefit Administrators, Society of Professional Benefit Administrators and as a founding member of Qubic, Inc. Tom continued to lead Corporate Systems until his retirement in 2014.

           As a business leader in the region, Tom supported numerous causes, including Niswonger Children’s Hospital, where he served on the advisory board. He was honored by Niswonger as a benefactor and his gift is memorialized in the hospital. He also supported the Johnson City Library as well as the Washington County Animal Shelter, Girls, Inc., and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. He was active in the community as a member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, Rotary International, Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Cities Business Leaders Forum, and the Hurstleigh Club.

Tom was an avid golfer, car enthusiast, jogger and animal lover, who most enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He cherished the many friends he spent time with on the golf course at both the Blackthorn Club and the Johnson City Country Club. Tom was definitely a “car guy” and took great pleasure in driving and maintaining his vehicles. He also liked to jog and kept a faithful routine of daily evening or morning runs. He was a charter member of Lifestyles Center and took pride in his physical fitness. He loved all animals, especially his beloved dog, Tucker, and enjoyed watching and identifying birds.

Above all, Tom Repass treasured the people he loved, his friends and family. He was a loyal and generous friend and a loving husband and patriarch to his family. He was truly a servant leader that served his Lord and Savior well through his care of others.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Frederick Greene Repass and Mrs. Hazel Wiles Repass of Salem, VA, brothers Mr. Frederick Greene Repass Jr. of Atlanta, GA and Dr. James Albert Repass of Richmond, VA, father-in-law U.G. Whited and mother-in-law Nancy Reese Whited of Johnson City, TN.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Whited Repass, daughters Nancy Repass Breeding (Bryan) of Wilmington, NC and Alison Repass Herrig (Michael) of Johnson City, TN, grandchildren Anna Goransson, Gunnar Goransson, Grant Herrig, Charlotte Herrig and Caroline Herrig, brother Dr. John Scott Repass (Judy) of Roanoke, VA, niece Dr. Kathryn Repass Freedman (Allen) of Greenville, SC and nephew John Scott Repass Jr. (Gina) of Charlotte, NC.

The family of Tom Repass will receive friends on Thursday, June 6th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm with Rev. Michael Lester officiating. Pallbearers will be: Ed Gibbons, Chuck Gordon, Jack Hatchett, Erik Herrin, Rick Storey, Grant Summers and Rab Summers. A committal service for Thomas will begin at 2:00 pm following the funeral service at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 1:50 pm.

The family would like to extend warmest thanks to Hospice Care nurses Vanessa and Ameilia, as well as Greg Church, Connie LaMore, and Hattie Tapp.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church (201 S. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601, 423-461-8070), Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter (3411 N. Roan St. Johnson City, TN 37601, 423- 926-8769) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (262 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105, stjude.org).