Tommy was ‘one of life’s characters’
A CAR salesman and hardworking family man has been remembered as “one of life’s true characters”.
Tribute has been paid to Thomas John Davies following his death on July 12 aged 84.
Tommy spent much of his youth in his beloved town of Harlech, a place he returned to throughout his life.
However, his pride for the North Wales town was also matched by his love of the Rhondda Valley after he moved to Pontygwaith as a child and later Gilfach Goch.
Known as a man who would take on anything, Tommy tried his hand at everything from van driving to working as a steeplejack to bring down a chimney in the middle of a factory estate.
Above everything else, he will be remembered for his success as an award-winning car salesman fuelled by his love of cars.
Known as an honest businessmen in the trade, Tommy pursed his passion to set up Tommy Davies Autos in Treorchy where he would employ his own body workers and mechanics.
Armed with his breakdown truck, he would spend many nights retrieving cars following accidents on the Bwlch and Rhigos.
For Tommy, romance struck after finding love at first sight in Gloria.
The night after their first dance, he turned up on the family’s doorstep in Gilfach asking where she was, and said he wanted to marry her just three weeks later.
Gloria and Tommy shared 66 wonderful years together, and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
A proud father to Tina and Joy, the family shared many wonderful memories during holidays away – once driving to Switzerland with the family to show off his new Jaguar only to drive back to Bournemouth the next day at the request of his girls.
He will also be sorely missed by his grandchildren.
A dedicated family man, Tommy worked every hour he could to provide for them. He will also be remembered as a great friend to Lloyd and Pat, and they enjoyed annual day trips away to Tenby over the years.
He also enjoyed a close friendship with Dai Harris, who would kindly help him around the house.
At 70, Tommy welcomed the digital age after getting internet access. Sat at his computer, he would often be found emailing, Facebooking, messaging and Skyping, helped by his cherished grandson Matt. His love of selling also continued after retirement when he would even sell laptops.
Tommy will also be remembered for his wit and imagination which led him to create a huge set of sayings and nicknames for people – many of which will live on for years to come.