Tommy graduated from Cherokee Vocational High School in 1968 and Florence State University in 1972. He played end on offense, linebacker on defense, and was the punter for the Indians football team coached by Colbert County Sports Hall of fame and Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame member, Bud Mills. He was selected to the Muscle Shoals Athletic Conference Team in 1965, 1966 and 1967. In addition to football, he also played basketball and ran on the 440 relay team in track. During the spring of his senior year in high school he walked on at Florence State University, now UNA, and was awarded a full scholarship. In his second year as a member of the Lions he became a starter at defensive end for Coach Hal Self. He was part of a defensive unit that held the school record for the fewest yards allowed, 960 for the season. That record stood until the early 90's. He graduated from Florence State University in 1972 with a degree in Accounting and Management. He received his banking degree from Vanderbilt School of Banking and he is currently President of Compass Bank in Cullman.