I too was a graduate of the
first ICL class along with Tom Parent. I remember him as quite a pleasant
and dynamic individual and someone I thought would benefit our society
in whatever roll he decided to pursue. His tragic and sudden death is
not only a loss to his family and friends but to the Fayetteville community
at large. He will certainly be missed by many. May God rest his soul and
bless his family during this time of grief.
Carole Samperton
As a class leader of the Institute for Community Leadership Chartered
Class of 2004-2005, and on their behalf, I want to express our deepest
sorrow and condolences to the family of Tom Parent. His untimely
death has certainly touch us all. The family will continue to be
in prayers during their moments of bereavement.
Tommy was a wonderful person and a good friend. As a classmate
he challenged us all to excel and to commit ourselves to the well
being of our city. Whatever I do henceforth, Tom Parent will be forever
on my mind reminding me to the do the best I can for the people of Fayetteville
and Cumberland County.
Rev. Dr. Floyd W. Johnson,
Jr.
Mondays accident on the corner of Fillyaw and Reilly Road took a
great man, Tom Parent, from this community. Tom spoke out about,
and against, the annexation whenever and where ever he could. He ran
for city council and came close to winning. Most of all he cared about
the Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and Fort Bragg community. Tom was
at most of the city council meetings, his outspoken nature and his military
discipline made him very noticeable and I am sure that Tom would have
won the city council seat for his district in the next election. Tom
attended the Community Leadership Institute charter class, which I attended
also, and it was there that I got to know him better and that I realized
that he was made out of the stuff that only great leaders are made of.
Now Tom is gone but let us never forget what he stood for and how much
he cared about this community as a whole. So I am asking you as a member
of this community to keep Tom's family in your prayers and close in
your hearts in this time of their loss and grief, may we support his
family as he has supported this community and this country. Fair well
to a friend and great leader. DE OPPRESSO LIBRE ("To Liberate the Oppressed").
In memory of Tom Parent.
Monika F. Smith
Charter Class ICL and friend of Tom Parent
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