Tom Fannin, 88, passed away on July 11, 2019. His father, Paul, was a former Arizona Governor and United States Senator. Tom was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Arizona. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. At the same time his father took office in 1959 as Arizona's 11th Governor, Tom launched a lifelong career in Real Estate as president and owner of Tom Fannin and Associates Realty, a company he grew to 900 employees statewide. During this time, he developed an outdoor billboard campaign called SOLD. It was so effective his idea was replicated throughout the country. 

He sold his business in 1980 and became President & CEO of Merrill Lynch Realty/Tom Fannin and from 1982-1989 served as a Designated Broker of Merrill Lynch Realty/Arizona. From 1990-1996, Tom served as Chairman of the Board of The Prudential Arizona Realty; Designated Broker of The Prudential Arizona Realty, 1994-1997; Vice-President of Coldwell Banker Success Realty, 1997-2005 and acted as a consultant until the time of his passing. Tom was a director of Stewart Title & Trust of Phoenix; Mortgage Broker/Banker for Merrill Lynch Companies, 1982-1992. He has served as a consultant for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. 

Tom served in a multitude of roles in organizations. He was a past president of the Arizona Association of REALTORS, Phoenix Board of REALTORS, Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau of Maricopa County. He served as a director of the Arizona Highway Users Association, Arizona & National Associations of REALTORS, Arizona Town Hall, Central Arizona Project Association and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District.

He is a past member of Greater Phoenix Leadership, Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board, Board of Trustees of the Arizona Museum of Science & Technology, Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Business Administration at ASU, and Phoenix Charter Government Steering Committee. He was also a vice-president of the Association of the United States Army Greater Phoenix Chapter.

The admiration and respect from his industry and community were reflected in countless distinctions bestowed upon him. He received The Salvation Army’s coveted "Sally Award" in 1982 after 15 years of service. He then continued actively serving for yet another 38 years, a total of 52 years of involvement on the Salvation Army City of Phoenix Advisory Board.

Tom is preceded in death by Marianne, his wife, a daughter and a brother. He is survived by two brothers, a sister, a daughter, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Tom's life and legacy will be held Thursday, August 8, 2 p.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 6300 North Central Avenue, Phoenix 85012. In lieu of flowers and to honor Tom's lifelong commitment to community service, the family invites donations to The Salvation Army , 2707 East Van Buren, Phoenix 85008, or in remembering his love for his pets, the Arizona Humane Society, 1521 West Dobbins Road, Phoenix 85041; in appreciation of their wonderful services and care, Hospice of the Valley , 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix 85014.  (Source: Arizona Republic)