Tommy Anaston Obituary

Capt. Tommy K. Anaston, Jr., USN, Ret.
October 27, 1930 – January 12, 2025
He was more than words can summarize.
What can one say about this multi-talented, incredibly charming, intelligent, funny, never met a stranger, and of course, passionate – to his beliefs, his country, his friends, and his family- man?
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta in the aftermath of the Great Depression, times and events sculpted his view of the world.
Ambitious, and tenacious in his pursuits, he built his first boat at 12, traveling up the Yazoo River alone with a fishing line and a hook, matches, a can of beans, and a knife Tom Sawyer of the Yazoo.
He went on to successfully race his home-built Helle's Belle I and II in the Deep South; one only has to look at the photos to see that determination and competitive nature in his eyes!
That same determination took him to championships in wrestling and boxing, excelling in all he undertook. Not only ambitious, but he was also incredibly resourceful- lessons learned as a child he applied to his education to enable him to attend Vanderbilt University. Combining Navy ROTC, poker, and playing in his band "Joe Banana and the Splits", his trombone belted out tunes from Dixieland Jazz, swing, and blues. Monies earned helped him complete college and become an Officer in the Navy. (More than once he wittingly opined that he was voted Hoodlum of the Year two years running at Vandy. I loved stories of his escapades with eccentric roommate Preston Henn!)
As a child turning the pages of his albums, marveling over the beautiful women, bands, dances, and fun-loving friends and adventures -brought a different face to the often stern and authoritarian father I knew.
Education continued throughout his career, as Tom would go on to - George Washington University, earning his Master's Degree in International Affairs (as children – I am sure we all remember his squirreling away to study and type for hours- Mom (Kay) serving as his loyal secretary). As well, he attended the National Staff College in Norfolk VA, and the National War College in Washington DC.
His musical influences came from listening to live local music as a youngster. Specifically, after working/cooking for his father in small diners, he would often sneak through the alley into black music halls and clubs, where he was welcomed for his passion for music. We visited the spot where he was able to observe, listen, and later be invited to play with the musicians he valued.
Several years ago, I accompanied him to tour the Mississippi small towns of his youth, giving insight into the influences, and 'faces' of events. Father Tommy, Sr, affectionally known as "BaBa," supported his family ("Mamie Ruth" -Mom, Sister -Ruth and Tommy); often above the small diners where he cooked, and other modest homes of his childhood. Touring these towns brought tears to his eyes remembering time with his family and friends. The best night was in Jackson – we went into a bar to hear jazz- WOW, Dad turned into a young man again- the music brought such vitality to him!
This trip brought about an understanding of his way of going through the world- including his gregarious nature, resourcefulness, love for the outdoors, and music. Equally, an understanding of his propensity to save everything that could be useful at a later date. But I digress- on to his career as a naval aviator!
His resume is impressive and long. He was a natural "Good Stick", enabling him to master 26 different aircraft for the U.S. Navy. From blimps to seaplanes, jets and fixed-wing prop planes, he mastered them all! As the saying goes- "see one, do one and teach one" - he did so incredibly well... (The story of how he came to flying blimps is one you will have to pull up a chair and share an adult beverage to hear).
A natural teacher inspires, and he taught well, even taking challenging situations to enable them to be survivable, and made for great barroom stories later. He could take a challenging or complex situation or subject and make it understandable and even better- survivable! He mentored so many throughout his career, I have been receiving notes from all over the country from men and women he influenced and helped in their careers.
His childhood dream of being a pilot was aptly fulfilled- an excellent student pilot, to Flight Instructor at NAS Pensacola, to several Commanding Officer duties- one as the youngest officer to serve in the role as CO of a major training squadron.
1. CO Patrol Squadron Ten (VP 10), Brunswick ME- operational anti-submarine, 370 personnel, 9 P-3B Orions
2. VP 30, Patuxent River MD The navy's largest squadron of 1400 personnel, 25 P-3 aircraft; responsible for training all P3 pilots, crew members, and maintenance in the Atlantic Fleet.
3. Commanding Officer NAS Bermuda, responsibilities ranged from Task Group Commander with a budget of over $15 million (excluding wages), hosting National and International diplomats, and international training squadrons. A few examples of his experience there included- the celebration of Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee, hosting and attending formal functions (one of which he got on very well with Prince Philip! No surprise!); a party for the cast and crew filming The Deep (Nick Nolte, Jacqueline Bisset, and Lous Gosset- Dad found " Queen Elizabeth much more beautiful! She was a natural beauty, not makeup like Jaqueline"); the Tall Ships Race of 1976 and dining aboard the Danish Training Ship the Danmark.
I believe getting awarded the Navy's top base award, the "Golden Anchor" was the highlight. Which coincidentally, he and Bernie Shattner had found an old Ship's anchor in St. George's harbor. They pulled it out, sandblasted it clean, painted gold for the occasion, and made the cover of The Navy Times!
He may be best remembered for the work to grant Flight Pay for Captains many officers I have met over the years always ask me to thank him- as they have benefitted from his tireless dogging of Congress on their behalf! This represents countless hours spent drafting legislation, meeting with OMB, JCS, OSD, and meeting/hearings on the Hill. An onerous task at best, but well worth his successful efforts!
Tom retired from the Navy in 1977, he often reflected that he regretted the choice to turn down a Two-Star Admiral promotion to instead join his beloved Liz to be a gentleman farmer in the beautiful hills of Charlottesville, VA. During this time he continued to fly as a private commercial pilot feeding his need to be in the air.
Farm life was not their calling- but a return to the sea was- they decided to build their own home in the Keys. Together, they designed and built the perfect fishing and diving headquarters to suit their passions for water-based activities (and entertaining). Dad was a favorite in the neighborhood, hosting guests and neighbors, using his lifelong cooking talents, and teaching many a generation to fish, dive, and live in harmony with the marine environment.
He continued his teaching and leading by being in charge of education for the Coast Guard Auxiliary for Flotilla 17, expanding on his boating experience to include sailing (across the Gulf to Tampa and on to the FL Keys!) and later serving as Vice Commodore of Pensacola Yacht Club.
Time spent accompanying him diving and snorkeling – be it in Bermuda or the Keys-were sacred moments of observing a man in his element. We laughed and laughed at the marvel of my dog Oakley diving off his high docks for coconuts, or off his speeding boat to retrieve one floating by. Some days we would simply go sightseeing, drop a line near the mangroves and hook our favorite- a baby barracuda! So many good memories the pages would go on and on recounting good adventures.
He bought and renovated two homes in St. Pete, joined the yacht club and enjoyed the urban lifestyle- again charming neighbors and making friends everywhere!
His final home, as he called it- his Golden Pond- on Lakeside Drive, was his intended last home. And it was the perfect endpoint. The view was magnificent, had easy access to rivers, creeks, and the bay. And better yet, boasted even better neighbors. He loved his neighbors and enjoyed time spent entertaining. As well, constantly working around the house and yard, cultivating grapes, fruit trees, and a garden to share produce with all.
Sharing. That seemed to bring him great joy- from helping neighbors known and barely known, offering his time and talents to sending money to those in need. The list of those benefitting from his gracious nature is too long to list. Those reading this know who you are
Finally, Dad loved. He married Kay Foster and raised 4 children- Karen, Kevin, Kim, and Krystal. Karen tragically taken too soon- she was the best of us, and the favorite of all.
He has two grandchildren, Emily Rea (Jones) Anderson, from daughter, Karen and David Jones, and her son Thomas Anderson;
Savannah (Juniper) Anaston, daughter of son Kevin and his wife Joy.
And many 4 legged family members.
His beloved, long-time partner, Liz Barnett, with whom he shared many adventures, was his equal in many ways and was greatly missed when she passed on.
Long-time good friend Kate Kovelsesc was often at the house discussing politics, life, and hours of playing dominoes (for bragging rights of course!)
He married beautiful Vernell (Deanie), a sweetheart from his hometown in Columbus, Mississippi, and enjoyed her extended family. They did a bit of traveling, entertaining their copious amounts of friends, and enjoying each other's company.
In this last chapter, he was befriended by a wonderfully loyal friend, Martha. I believe he lived longer and fuller due to time spent enjoying music, outings, and dining.
Sitting and watching the sun go down, listening to his stories, and toasting the day with a wee bit of scotch in hand, will always be one of my favorite memories. And of course, starting the day sharing coffee, marveling at the birds outside his window and their behaviors, and desperately trying to stick to nature and not discuss politics!
Finally- his friends, beloved lifelong friends that left his heart heavy when they passed, to those still with us. Years and years of stories and adventures - joking and laughing with his naval aviator pal, Tom-instigator of 60+ years! To so many others including fellow veteran Jake, to friend Phil taking him on his treasured Bi-Plane flight. Again, many friends – forgive me for not listing all.
His love for the Veterans' Wednesday Morning Coffee group that started as 4 naval aviators- and has extended to 24+ on any given day- welcoming any veterans that would like to join them. It was always the highlight of the week to meet, and swap lies- er stories! with them.
As difficult as it has been to write his life account, (and ill-fated attempt to keep it short ) highlighted clearly, is his legacy. Through his gregarious nature, generosity, teaching and mentoring, and touching so many lives, to become better versions of themselves.