Nashville, TN, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Patricia Porter Thomas, affectionately known as Trish, passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. A dedicated special education teacher and equestrian, she shared her passion for horseback riding and fishing with her family. Trish is remembered for her remarkable contributions to the Fox Hunting community and her adventurous spirit. Survived by her husband Al and two daughters, Trish will be honored through a visitation and memorial contributions to Alive Hospice.
Nashville, TN – Patricia Porter Thomas, age 65, passed away due to cancer on October 24, 2025. Known as Trish, she lived a life filled with equestrian passion and love for her family.
Born on June 26, 1960, in Nashville, TN, she was the daughter of the late Peggy and Ray Porter of Columbia, TN. Trish grew up in Columbia, attending Baker Elementary and Central High School. Her academic journey led her to Knoxville, where she attended The University of Tennessee. She graduated in 1981 with a degree in Special Education.
In 1983, Trish met her husband, Allison (Al) Thomas, in Knoxville and they married shortly thereafter. Following their wedding, they moved to Denver while Al completed his degree in Hotel Restaurant Management. Trish’s career as a Special Education teacher took her across various cities due to Al’s career in the restaurant business. In 1995, the family settled in Nashville, building a home on 16 acres in Bellevue where they raised their two daughters and tended to their horses. This residence remained her home for 30 years until her passing.
Trish was an accomplished equestrian, deeply involved in the Fox Hunting community. She began hunting with The Mell’s Hounds as a teenager and later participated with the Hillsboro Hounds. Her dedication to equestrian activities also extended to her daughters, Cate and MaryAllison. Cate became an Equestrian Vaulting champion, indicative of the family’s commitment to horseback riding and equestrian sports.
Beyond the equestrian world, Trish was passionate about fishing. She enjoyed bass fishing on Center Hill Lake, as well as trout fishing on the Caney Fork River and the Missouri River in Montana. In 2000, Trish and Al built a cabin called The Eagles Nest and a guest house called The Owl’s Nest near Center Hill Lake, where they often entertained family and friends. Trish gained a reputation as an avid offshore angler, capturing many large fish while out on their boat named Eagle.
More recently, in 2016, they purchased a cottage in Josephine, Alabama, built in 1918. This became another favorite gathering spot for family and friends, and Trish continued to host fishing trips there. Recently, she found joy in cattle wrangling and mountain rides in Utah and Montana with her daughter Cate and grandson Jetton. On their 40th wedding anniversary, Trish and Al celebrated at The Paws Up Resort, where they went trout fishing together.
Trish is survived by her husband, Al Thomas; brothers Ed Porter (Ran Ying) and Tom Porter (deceased, with wife Deb); daughters MaryAllison Willis (Seth) and Peggy Cates Buchanon (Jackson); and five grandchildren (Jetton and Piper Willis; Evelyn, Georgie, and Penny Buchanon).
A visitation for friends and family will take place on October 29, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Nashville, TN, followed by a service beginning at 1:30 PM. The family expresses gratitude to friends and the staff at Alive Hospice for their support during Trish’s battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alive Hospice or a charity of choice.
FAQ
When did Patricia Porter Thomas pass away?
Patricia Porter Thomas passed away due to cancer on October 24, 2025.
Where was Patricia Porter Thomas born?
She was born on June 26, 1960, in Nashville, TN.
What degree did Patricia Porter Thomas graduate with?
She graduated in 1981 with a degree in Special Education from The University of Tennessee.
What hobbies was Patricia Porter Thomas known for?
Patricia was known for her equestrian passion and was actively involved in the Fox Hunting community. She was also passionate about fishing.
What are the names of Patricia Porter Thomas’s daughters?
Her daughters are Cate and MaryAllison.
What will happen after Patricia Porter Thomas’s passing?
A visitation will occur on October 29, 2025, at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Nashville, TN.
What contributions can be made in memory of Patricia Porter Thomas?
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alive Hospice or a charity of choice.
Key Features of Patricia Porter Thomas’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Patricia Porter Thomas |
| Age at Passing | 65 |
| Date of Passing | October 24, 2025 |
| Place of Birth | Nashville, TN |
| Education | Degree in Special Education from The University of Tennessee |
| Notable Hobbies | Equestrian activities, fishing |
| Survived By | Husband, two daughters, five grandchildren |
| Memorial Contributions | Alive Hospice or a charity of choice |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Oakes & Nichols: Patricia Porter Thomas Obituary
- Wikipedia: Patricia Porter Thomas
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Elizabeth Porter Obituary
- Google Search: Patricia Porter Thomas
- Oakes & Nichols: Peggy Porter Obituary
- Google Scholar: Patricia Porter Thomas
- Dignity Memorial: Thomas Shane Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Patricia Porter Thomas
- Dignity Memorial: Albert Isenhour Obituary
- Google News: Patricia Porter Thomas
Author: HERE Nashville
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