By Michael Butler

There is a profound quote from the Christmas movie classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“Each man’s life touches so many other lives.” That can certainly be said of Tom Crain.

Crain died on Thursday. He was 77.

Close friend Camille Foshee may have summed Crain up best, “What a good man he was,” she said. “(His) goodness left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.”

Crain was the owner of Tallassee Rehab, a business he opened in Tallassee in 1998. He began practicing physical therapy work locally in 1987. Through the decades he made many connections, many through youth sports.

Mark Segrest coached with Crain when Crain’s sons played baseball.

“In 1993, the 13-year-old Tallassee Babe Ruth baseball team advanced to the World Series in Springdale, Ark.,” Segrest recalled. “Tom was the manager and I was an assistant coach. We won a ton of games together and created a lot of great memories. Our friendship really took off when we coached together. Tom was one of my best friends. I’ll miss him.”

On Thursday, the Tallassee High School baseball team paused for a moment of silence to pay tribute to Crain prior to the team’s game with LAMP.

“Tom Crain was one of the finest men I knew,” said THS head coach John Goodman. “He lived life through his kids and grandkids.”

Crain’s grandson Brue Milner hit a homerun in the 12-0 Tigers’ win.

“I love the Crain and Milner families,” Goodman added. “He will be truly missed by the city and athletic community. He was one of the best.”

Crain served on the Community Hospital Board of Directors as well as the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Advisory Board. He was an active member at First Methodist Church in Tallassee where he taught a Sunday School class and served on several church committees.

“Tom was a steady, servant-hearted presence in both worship and leadership,” said First Methodist pastor Clint McBroom. “Tom gave generously of his time behind the scenes. He cared for people. His life was marked by consistent, compassionate service. He was one of the best men I ever had the opportunity to work with.”