Services were held in January for Thomas H. Espy Jr., who culminated a career of some three and a half decades in the Alabama Department of Transportation as chief engineer, a position he held from 1979-92. He was a 1958 graduate in civil engineering.
Espy, who served as vice president at David Volkert and Associates subsequent to his career in the state transportation department, had been ill before his untimely death.
He was admired and respected by everyone he touched, in a circle of friends that went beyond his personal and professional acquaintances to include members in his community, church, and alma mater.
"Tom Espy was one of the most engaging and amiable persons that I have ever met," Engineering Dean William Walker noted. "At the same time he was strictly professional in his engineering ethic, with a hands-on approach that got things done. His contributions to Auburn Engineering will be greatly missed."
Espy served as a member of the Auburn Alumni Engineering Council, whose membership serves as the dean's advisory group, and was active as well in civil engineering matters. He regularly visited the Auburn campus, where his advice was sought by faculty and administrators alike.
"Tom's approach to helping the College of Engineering was quiet but effective," remembers Joe Judkins, head of the Department of Civil Engineering. "He never sought personal recognition for his efforts, but was genuinely concerned for the profession, and the young people entering it as students. His impact was very much felt here on the Auburn campus."
He is survived by his wife Ginger, and sons Hal and Bill and their families, including three grandsons.
The family has requested that memorials be made to the National Marrow Donor Program, Cook Children's Medical Center, 801 Seventh Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76106.
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