Thomas Robert Schlitt

Thomas Robert Schlitt, age 66, of Maryville passed away peacefully in his home on January 28, 2025. Tom, fondly known as Dr. Tom, was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and is preceded in death by parents Dr. Robert Joseph Schlitt and Gale Barnes Schlitt, and infant son Robert Nathaniel Schlitt.

Tom received his BS from Auburn in Biology, MS from UAB in Physical Therapy, and Doctorate from UT Memphis in Physical Therapy with a concentration in pediatrics. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, APTA, TPTA, and Auburn Alumni Association. He served on the Roane State Advisory Board for the PTA program, Birth to Three, and was regional director of the Pediatric Section of the APTA. 

Tom was a Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist in Physical Therapy since 2002, soccer coach for Parks and Recreation for 12 years, PTO president for Sam Houston Elementary, and PTO member for MRIS and Maryville Junior High. Tom completed the Melton Hill Dam Triathlon, was a Sunday School teacher, and served on vestry at Good Sam Episcopal Church. 

Tom fell in love with his wife Rara on their first date. They got married on the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail and for 41 years enjoyed the great outdoors and being together. They were a great love.

Tom leaves behind his beloved wife, dear children and their spouses, and one grandchild, who he loved deeply: Rosalyn “Rara” Schlitt, Thomas and Sarah and Mac, Ginny and Kevin, Marjorie and Glenn, Lydia and Matthew. He loved, nurtured, and enjoyed being a big part of their lives, in all phases of their lives. He also leaves behind his brother Dr. Michael Schlitt (Josephine) of Seattle and sister Grace Lenz of Seattle.

Tom was a quiet, gentle man of great faith, loving kindness, wit, and love of others. He will be sincerely missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 425 North Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, TN 37923 or to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (see link below), 2018 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916.

Tom’s last wishes were for love and joy to be spread to others. A family ceremony will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, AL.