Thomas T.R. Tyree

Thomas R. (T.R.) Tyree, 86, of Smoot Creek, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Letcher Manor Nursing Home in Whitesburg, KY. 

T.R. was born March 14, 1939 to the late Charles and Mattie (Holcomb) Tyree at Smoot Creek, Kentucky.

He married the former Mary Joseph December 16, 1959 in Clintwood, Virginia. T.R. and Mary built a life together, and after a brief stint in Ohio where sons Tommy and Jimmy were born, they established their permanent, life-long residence on Smoot Creek. T.R. enjoyed a long career as a blaster in the coal industry, working for Golden Oak Mining Company and later TECO Coal. 

T.R.’s faith was central to his life. Any extended conversation with him likely resulted in a presentation of the Gospel to the unbeliever or a testimony of God’s goodness and an encouragement to the believer. T.R. and Mary helped to found the Whitesburg Church of the Nazarene in 1978, and were instrumental in supporting their grandson, Josh, in planting the Refuge Community Church in Neon, KY where T.R. attended and poured into many young believers later in his life.

He was a gentle giant, the embodiment of patience and gentleness, and left an impact on all who knew him. 

T.R. was preceded in death by his parents, as well as brothers Willard Tyree, Clyde Tyree, Charles Tyree, Rufus Tyree, and sisters Gladys Tyree Collins, Frances Tyree Alcorn, Mattie Sue Tyree Kincer, Geraldine Garland and Lelah Tyree Caudill

T.R. is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Tyree of Smoot Creek, sons Tommy of Oxford, Ohio and Jimmy of Emmalena, KY; one grandson Josh (Whitney) and three great grandchildren, Grayson, Finnley, and Elliott Tyree all of Bottom Fork, as well as a host of other loved ones and friends to mourn his passing.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 1, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm. 

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026 with Pastor Josh Tyree officiating.

Burial will follow in the Green Acres Cemetery at Ermine, Kentucky.