Thomas J. Fye 1952-2025

Thomas was born Dec. 24, 1952, in Warren, a son of the late Charles and Irma Fye.

He was a graduate of Labrae High School and general manager of Wollam Chevrolet in Cortland.

Thomas was a dedicated steward of his community who took great pride in his contributions to the city of Cortland and Wollam Chevrolet. The dealership was more than a career to him — it was his extended family.

He found purpose in mentoring others, both personally and professionally, and took joy in guiding people toward their next steps in life. A true leader with an unwavering spirit, Thomas always gave more than he took.

Tom also was an accomplished horseman who developed a lifelong passion for quarter horses and training from an early age. His devotion to horses remained a cornerstone of his life, offering him both solitude and a source of physical and mental well-being. He held a deep appreciation for horses and believed decisively in training them with patience, empathy and a commitment to their true betterment.

His other hobbies included spending time with his wife watching historical documentaries and vacationing in their favorite beach town, St. Augustine, Florida. He also enjoyed target shooting and had a deep affection for “Law & Order.” In recent years, he took to slowly creating a “man cave” in his garage, where he liked to work out the matters of the day. Around the neighborhood, he will be fondly remembered as the only man who wore spurs while mowing his lawn.

Above all, Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with his family — especially playing with his granddaughter. She was his joy, and he was hers.

Thomas will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Mary Lou, whom he married in 1994; children, Courtney Sample (Matthew Paul) and Matthew Fye (Brittney McMillin); and granddaughter, Simona Sample; as well as many nephews, nieces and those whose heart he touched closely.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou (Paul) Forrest.

He is survived by his sisters, Barbara (Richard), Patricia (Carl), Margaret (Dennis) and Kathryn (Art), and brothers, Charles (Hedy), John (Diane), James (Dawna), David (Lynda) and Michael (Sharon).

Family and friends may visit 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at Lane Funeral Homes, Shafer Winans Chapel, 164 N. High St., Cortland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thomas’ memory to TCTC Equestrian, c/o Trumbull Career and Technical Center, 528 Educational Highway, Warren, OH 44483.

Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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