Thomas Mark Harkins Jr., age 40, of Turtletown passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Thomas was born on November 16, 1985 in Murphy, NC to Tommy Harkins and Sharon Hackler.

Thomas was the kind of person who never met a stranger. His smile, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh, often through the most ridiculous antics imaginable, left a lasting impression on finding himself in the middle of yet another questionable adventure, Thomas had a gift for bringing joy to those around him.

He loved the outdoors and felt most at home surrounded by nature. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, offering him both peace and happiness. He took tremendous pride in his home and the life he built, finding satisfaction in caring for the place he loved and sharing it with family and friends.

Though he was known for finding himself in a little mischief from time to time, beneath the laughter was a man of extraordinary kindness. Thomas was gentle, loving, and fiercely devoted to the people he cared about. He had a big heart and a quiet tenderness that made others feel accepted, and loved.

The loss of Thomas leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew him. Yet his laughter, his stories, his love, and the countless memories he created will live on in the hearts of family and friends forever.

He is deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.

Thomas is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe Harkins, J.W. Mull, Joyce Jones, and Cecil Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Amber Harkins and their beautifully blended family of five children, Karlie, Vallen, Nathan, Canyon, and Jaron; mother and step-father, Sharon & Philip Hackler; father, Tommy Harkins; sisters, Jessica (Phillip) Moore, Ashley (Rickey) Reeves, and Keith Hackler; grandmother, Cheryl (Joe) Hayes; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Melissa and Mike Frady; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, other family, and friends.

Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM from the Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Mark Handy officiating. The family will receive friends at Akins-Cobb of Copperhill on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the Neuroscience Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center at give.vanderbilthealth.org.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill is in charge of these arrangements.