WORDS OF TRIBUTE:
Mr. Thomas Ruffin Warren, Jr.,
by Dr. Julian Aldridge

     Tom's disposition reflected the values of a generation born in the early part of this century whom Tom Brokaw, a current news commentator and author, calls the Greatest Generation. Their values were shaped by hardship and challenge which came through economic depression in the thirties and war in the forties.

     Tom's severe asthma prevented his being able to serve in the military, but did not prevent his committing, through Scout leadership, thirty-three years to the nurture and training of boys in the values and principles that made his generation great. One of his lasting accomplishments was primary leadership for the development of Camp Grimes near Dysertsville, North Carolina. Tom oversaw this mammoth project and brought it to a successful conclusion. It will continue to provide Scouts with an enriching opportunity for wholesome growth.

     One's neighbors are a good barometer of behavior. It is significant that so many of those who have shared his neighborhood, where Tom and his family lived for thirty-six years, made a point to get in touch with me yesterday and share their gratitude. The commendations they mention are things that reflect the character of the man. He was described as the quintessential Southern gentleman. His yard always has been the most beautiful in that part of Beverly Woods. Tom would select boys of Scouting age and teach them how to keep the lawn, not just in appearance, but also how to maintain and repair the equipment necessary for the job. He paid money for the work done, but I would venture to say those whom he taught and encouraged received far more in the priceless area of character building.

     Tom Warren's life found its center in his beloved wife, Carolyn, and his son, Lewis, and daughter-in-law, Joyce. When Carolyn died in the 1980s, it closed one of the most meaningful chapters in his life. It had lasted more than fifty years. From the time of Carolyn's death, Tom fought loneliness through a continued absorption in work and interests. He was never one to sit still and close his mind to the changing world. At age 72, he bought an electronic organ and began to take organ lessons from a local music teacher. Soon after this new interest was developed, he purchased a computer with which he became thoroughly proficient.

     Tom had trained as an electrical engineer at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. That early aptitude continued to find expression in his technical skills. Neighbors say they will miss seeing a light in the window in the evening with Tom sitting at his desk absorbed with diligence at his computer.

     In 1976, then retired as Scout Executive for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Tom accepted responsibility as Executive Secretary for the Rotary Club of Charlotte. It was a fitting job for a man whose life was characterized by "Service Above Self."  Tom exemplified the Rotary Four-Way Test with its focus on truthfulness, fairness, friendship, and the good of all concerned. He served well this community of men and women who seek today to insure the common good through the application of the highest ethical standards in business and everyday life. This spirit of Rotary came naturally to Tom Warren, whose outlook on life took service and quality for granted.

     In these last weeks, Tom fought a courageous battle with increasing physical disability. It was painful to see his body lose its strength, his hearing and his voice diminishing. I noted, however, that his eyes never lost their sense of courage and confidence. It occurred to me that Tom Warren was, in the best way of Scouting, prepared. He had what it took to fight the good fight in the knowledge that ultimately light would transcend the darkness, life would conquer death, and all would be well.

     It is this Word that frames our faith today as we commit Tom Warren to our Lord's keeping. "I go," Jesus said, "to prepare for you."  Tom was ready to receive those preparations and to hear our Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."                                 

Dr. Julian M. Aldridge, Jr.
Senior Minister,
Myers Park United Methodist Church
March 26, 1999