Thomas Michele

Withers

Thomas Michele Withers
January 25, 1935 – February 26, 2026

Thomas Michele Withers, affectionately known as "Tom," passed away peacefully at his home on February 26, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 91.

Tom was born on January 25, 1935, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late James and Valena Withers. The family resided in the historic Down the Bay neighborhood, where he spent most of his life building lasting relationships and contributing to the community he loved.

A proud graduate of the Mobile County School System, Tom attended Emerson Elementary School and Mobile County Training School before graduating from Central High School in 1952. He later earned his degree from Tuskegee Institute in 1956. In April 1958, he married the love of his life, Vivian Stewart Withers, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 67 years.

Tom began his career as an educator, teaching at Mobile County Training School and Mary G. Montgomery High School. He later made history as the first Black automobile salesman in Mobile. At Robinson Brothers Lincoln-Mercury, he became one of the Gulf Coast's most respected and successful car salesmen. Even in retirement, Tom remained active, working seasonally with Concord Shore Services at the Port of Mobile, where he greeted Carnival cruise passengers with his signature warmth and engaging personality well into his later years.

Tom loved the spirit and traditions of Mobile, especially Mardi Gras. He was actively involved in the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association and was known for his infectious enthusiasm and familiar rallying cry, "One, Two, Three… Showtime!"

In 1962, Tom was initiated into the Rho Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he remained an active and devoted member for more than six decades. He was also a member of The Original Dragons Social Club, the Bay Area Riding Club, and served on the Board of Directors for the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame.

A lifelong member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Tom faithfully supported his church and enjoyed fellowship with his church family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James and Valena Withers; his sister, Alice Ethel Dixon; his brothers, James Withers and Charles Withers; and his close friend, Anthony Gayles.

His memory will be forever cherished by his beloved wife, Vivian Stewart Withers; his daughter, Rita Michele Withers Smith; his twin granddaughters, Taylor Michelle Smith and Gabrielle Dominique Smith, all of Mobile, AL; He is also survived by his sister, Valena W. McCants of Mobile, AL; his sisters-in-law, Erma Withers of Bethesda, MD, and Doris Newton of Hollywood, FL; and his cherished brother-in-law, Herbert (Lena) L. Stewart of Newport News, VA, along with his dearly loved nieces, nephews, godchildren, and countless friends whom he embraced as family.

Tom will be remembered for his warmth, charisma, and deep love for family, faith, and community. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and never missed an opportunity to celebrate life.

Public visitation for Mr. Thomas M.Withers will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at The Episcopal Church Of The Good Shepard, 605 Donald St, Mobile, AL 36617. Omega Service will be began at 6:30 PM. Funeral service for Mr. Thomas Withers will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM.