Dr. Thomas F. Sapp, 73,
Dr. Thomas F. Sapp, 73
Dr. Thomas F. Sapp, 73, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, in Fairhope, Ala.
He was born in Aug. 5, 1939, in Natchez, Miss., to Bessie and Chester Sapp. He grew up in Mobile, Ala., attending Murphy High School. He was part of Murphy High School’s founding tennis team during that period of time.
Dr. Sapp enrolled at Auburn University for his pre-med. During that time he played tennis for Auburn University. After graduation, internship and residency, he spent two years in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. During his tour of duty in the United States Air Force he represented the northwest United States in the worldwide tennis championships.
After a tour of duty at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, he moved with his family west of the mountains to Kalispell where they spent an additional 19 years. During his 19-year medical practice in Northwest Montana, he played an active part in the development of the ALERT helicopter rescue service out of Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He spent many hours flying through the Rocky Mountains and over the Continental Divide retrieving ill and injured people.
Dr. Sapp and his family moved back to Mobile in 1988, and subsequently to Fairhope, Ala., in 1999. He was a primary care physician in Daphne, Ala., from 1988 until his demise and was active on the Thomas Hospital medical staff.
In addition to his two wives, and his children, one of his greatest loves was his rather large art collection, which many have seen over the years.
Dr. Sapp wanted to convey special thanks to his devoted office staff, his housekeeper Ms. Pam Nelson, and the staff of Thomas Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center for the many years of association. Also a very special thanks to Dr. Ndolo. Finally heartfelt thanks to the 15,000-plus patients in the Eastern Shore area who have been so sweet, loving and tolerant for the past 20 years.
Dr. Sapp was preceded in death by his first wife, Rose Russell Sapp, and is survived by his loving wife, Alice Ruth Sapp, of Fairhope; Leslie Vestman of Littleton, Colo., Thomas F. Sapp Jr., of Kalispell, Rose Rogers of Wilsonville, Ala., Bragg Mattingly Sapp of Chickasaw, Ala., and Alexander Byrnes Sapp of Columbus, Ga. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; also stepson, André and stepgrandson, Déaire; and 14 brothers and sisters-in-law and their spouses.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, at the chapel of Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home.
Private inurnment held at a later date.
Dr. Sapp and his family have requested that in lieu of flowers donation be sent in his memory to: Thomas Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 929, Fairhope, AL 36533.