William Thomas Durham, 66, passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2026, in Beaumont, Ca.Tommy was born on Oct. 29, 1959, in Long Beach, Ca., to Margaret Alice (Courtney) and Clarence Willard Durham.

Tommy was a Dad, Pawpaw, brother, uncle, cousin, and a friend to everyone; to meet him was a forever memorable experience. Though born in California, he moved to Georgia as a teenager. He attended Rossville High School, married, lived in East Ridge, and had three children. Tommy was a man of the Catholic faith and a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Greater Chattanooga Dart Association #385, where he served on the council as treasurer. He later moved back to California and resided in Auburn, Ca.

Tommy loved to brighten your day with a story, a joke, a movie quote, or a memory. He was always happy to share the secret to the perfect glass of sweet tea or remind you that nothing beats good biscuits and gravy. He found great peace sitting on his back porch watching the birds and squirrels at his feeders. The world is much quieter without his laughter and his frequent calls to check in on his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Anderson and Clarence Durham; his stepfather, Willard ‘Andy’ Anderson; his brother, Frank D. Durham; and his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Laura Courtney and paternal grandparents, Frank and Fannie Durham. Following William's death, his brother, Clarence Willard Durham Jr. (Bill), passed away shortly after on March 6, 2026, at his home in Beaumont, Ca., where Tommy had been helping care for him.

Tommy is survived by his children, Terra (Jay) Hicks, Christine (Nick) Smith, and Reece Durham, all of Chattanooga, TN; and his grandchildren, Joshua Hicks, Noah Smith, and Emily Hicks. He is also survived by his siblings, sister-in-law Jana Durham, James (Cheri) Durham, David (Marilyn) Durham, and Diane Chavez, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friend Carol Toomey, Courtney and Kyle Pasch. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends on April 10, from 4-8 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home, 833 Chickamauga Ave., Rossville. A second visitation will be held on April 11, from 10-11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10768 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, where funeral services will follow. Burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery in East Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Soddy Daisy in his memory.