Obituary: Thomas (T.J.) Wimberly

Newport — It is with profound sadness that the family of T. J. Wimberly announce his passing on February 11,2024 after his long and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

T.J. was born and raised in Clovis, NM. After graduating high school, he joined and served proudly in the USAF for 26 years. After retiring from the military, he became a rancher and joined his local volunteer fire department in Bard, NM. In the Bard-Endee Fire and Rescue he worked his way up to Captain and volunteered for 15 years helping save many lives. He also started his own business called Caprock Fire Extinguisher Services. T.J. truly enjoyed and cherished all his customers. He was very dedicated to any and all of his work in his life and will be missed by many. Upon learning of his very rare lung disease, which forced him to retire from all work in 2019, he moved to Tennessee to be closer to his family.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Sally Catherine (Gates) Wimberly of the home, sons Raymond K Wimberly (Melissa) of Newport, TN and Whitney Blaine Wimberly of Nashville, TN. Granddaughters Caitlin Evans and Briana Wimberly, Grandson Austin Wimberly, Great granddaughter Noelle Evans as well as numerous sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.

Due to the fact that T.J. donated his body to University of TN for research in hopes of learning more about his disease there was no service.