Thomas Eugene Nauss

A longtime supporter of youth baseball in Warner Robins, Thomas Eugene Nauss, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, September 28, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was 72 years old.

Born on May 28, 1949, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Tom was the son of the late Herb and Jean Nauss. After graduating from Warner Robins High School, Tom volunteered and joined the United States Army where he served with the 101st Airborne Division. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Tom was awarded a Bronze Star during his four-year military service. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After he left the Army, Tom worked at Robins Air Force Base in civil service. He held numerous jobs during his 35-year career, most recently as a software technical engineer.

As dedicated as he was to his country, Tom was equally as dedicated to instilling a love of baseball in his children and grandchildren. Starting in 1980, he began his Little League coaching journey, first with his own children and ending with his grandchildren in 2014. During his 34 years of coaching, he was president of Warner Robins American Little League for seven years and held other board positions. In addition, when he wasn’t coaching, Tom was an umpire. Tom helped start the Challenger League with Jeff Franks. The Challenger (Handicap) League provides children with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. In 1992, Tom was the coach of the first 11-12 year old Little League team his son, Jeff Nauss, played on; this team went on to win a state title for Warner Robins Little League. He also coached the 2006 and 2008 11-12 year old Little League State champions for his grandson, Griffen. Not only did he earn accolades for his coaching ability, Tom was instrumental in beginning the T-Ball and Coach Pitch leagues at the old Flint Field. Additionally, he was responsible for beginning the “Old Timers Game” at Flint Field in an effort to raise money for improvements. Tom didn’t rest on his laurels from the baseball diamond, either. He also coached recreation youth basketball during the 30-plus years he was coaching baseball. Finally, as an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Perry, he and his wife, Patti, were part of the local Missionary Ministry for six years.

In addition to his parents, Herbert and Jean Nauss, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Herbie Nauss, Jr.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory are his wife of 50 years, Patti Garrigus Nauss; sons, Eric Nauss (Jessica) of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Adam Nauss, Ryan Nauss, and Greg Nauss, all of Bonaire, and Jeff “Mo” Nauss (Stephanie) of Warner Robins; grandchildren, Griffen Nauss (Natalie), Karsyn, Avery, Brody, Madison, Nolan, Ava, Jasmine, Maddux, Marissa, Emma, Peyton, and Ty “ESPN.” sisters, Barbara Surace (Bob) of Millville, New Jersey, Margaret Hayes (Gary) of Warner Robins, and Nathan Hayes of Warner Robins along with other loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 3, 2021. His service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 4, 2021 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Perry. Bishop Peter Christianson will officiate. Tom will be laid to rest in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. A family gathering will take place after the burial at the home of Adam Nauss, 703 Summer Court, Bonaire, GA 31005. For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.