Thomas Graham Harrison

Thomas (Tom) Graham Harrison passed away peacefully at TMH Hospice at 1:45 a.m. on April 22, 2024, with his very special caregiver, Frankie Fudge at his side following an extended illness. Tom was born on December 22, 1964, in Tallahassee, Florida to Graham Harrison Jr. and Gioia Hardman Harrison. His parents preceded him in death as did his very special Aunt Madelyn Hardman and his Uncle Bill Wattenberg. Tom is survived by his Uncle Dan L. Hardman (Aunt Barbara Hardman) of Thomasville; Aunt Sue Wattenberg of Tallahassee, FL; and children, Logan Harrison and Alexandra Harrison of Tallahassee. During his lengthy illness Tom had an amazing group of close, loyal friends called “Team Tom” that stood by his side, watched over him, and were always there for him when he needed them, they were indispensable (Sal Blandino, Paul Watts, Martin Shipman, Brian Shaper, Dr. Carlos Campo, Diana O’Bryant, and Jay Hipps). Tom graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and became licensed as a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Florida Institute of CPAs. Tom began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in Clearwater, Fl. then later returned to Tallahassee where in 1998 he became CFO for Tallahassee Primary Care Associates. He quickly advanced to CEO and over the next 25 years he built a multi-specialty medical practice. Under Tom’s leadership TPCA moved from renting the second floor of the blood bank building to its flagship space on Miccosukee Commons Drive. He was instrumental in bringing Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Disease practices to TPCA along with expanding the laboratory and radiology services to ensure patients could receive their total care under one umbrella. Later Tom partnered with TMH and Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital to expand Pediatric Cardiology to Tallahassee so that caretakers of children would no longer have to travel to Gainesville or Jacksonville for their child’s care. Tom operated by the philosophy that “….the second mouse gets the cheese”. He was pragmatic in his approach to business and counseled countless staff to use this same approach. He was not just the CEO, but he was also a mentor to those he worked with. His legacy lives on as a leader within the healthcare community and beyond, through the employees he coached during his tenure with TCPA. Tom was continually active in community affairs and a strong advocate for economic development, serving as a member of the Chamber of Commerce on several committees as well as the Rotary Club and the Workforce Initiative. He was an active member of the Board of Education and served as a board member of many other community activities including the Big Bend United Way and Tallahassee North Florida Big Bend March of Dimes. He was a member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and was involved in Bible study with a group of respected friends. Tom’s legacy left in the Tallahassee area and its medical community will live on in the hearts of the many whose lives he touched as well as in all that he achieved in his lifetime. There will be no public service. There will be a Celebration of Tom’s Life at a later date for family and close friends. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Thomas Graham Harrison

December 22, 1964 - April 22, 2024