Thomas Lynn Hobbs

April 11, 1962 – February 23, 2026

Thomas Lynn Hobbs joined his Creator — and his beloved, legendary parents, Clifford Thomas “Blevins” and Vivian “Ruth” Blevins — along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, (after all, he was a Friddell) on February 23, 2026, following a battle with aggressive brain cancer and its complications.

Born April 11, 1962, Thomas — known as Tom, Little Tom, or Tommy — was the identical twin of Timothy Lee Hobbs, a bond that shaped his life from the very beginning. Before their first breaths were drawn, they knew each other. Though they walked their own paths, that twin connection remained a defining part of his story.

Tom was strong-willed, outspoken, and unapologetically himself. He believed what he believed and stood firm in it. He valued honest conversation, spoke his mind freely, and carried a quick wit that kept people on their toes.

His work as a drug and alcohol counselor revealed another essential side of him — one rooted in compassion, accountability, and belief in second chances. Before that, he worked in the car business, including careers with Long and Kelly dealerships, and spent a considerable part of his career with Olan Mills. Wherever he worked, he brought personality with him.

Tom wasn’t just loud — he helped people rebuild. He understood struggle, and he respected the strength it takes to overcome it.

Music was central to who he was. He loved it with conviction. He had strong opinions about what counted as “real” music and took pride in sharing it. Give him a remote and he would stream Kenny Loggins live at Red Rocks, sing every high note, and name each musician on stage and in the background — respecting exactly what each person brought to the performance.

He loved hosting karaoke shows at venues around the area, including one of his favorite haunts, Farm to Fork in Ringgold, Georgia. Music was never background noise to Tom. It was connection.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Story Hobbs-Keene, and her husband, Marc Alan Keene; his twin brother, Timothy Lee Hobbs; his nephew, Brayden Hobbs, (of whom he was immensely proud, so proud it should be noted here), step-children; Lynn Tipton, Lamar Johnson and Courtney Johnson-Stubbs, and many step-grandchildren; step great grandchildren, plus six feline grandchildren — Jules Winnfield, Squirrley Daniel, Marie “Ri-Ri” Laveau, Regular Sized “Rudy,” Meowexander Hamilton, and Starla Roberta Hobbs-Keene. Though he claimed to be more of a dog person, they loved him dearly, no matter how little time they got to spend with him. 

Thomas Lynn Hobbs leaves behind a legacy of conviction, redemption, forgiveness, a touch of chaos, music played at proper volume, mischief, and stories that will continue to be told.

A karaoke celebration of life is being planned in his honor — fitting for a man who never believed in doing anything quietly.

In lieu of flowers, plan a song to sing. More details to come.

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