Thomas Hawthorne Fisher, 61, of Goode, passed away peacefully March 18, 2007, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Rebecca Agee Fisher. Tom was born April 12, 1945, in Roanoke, a son of the late Thomas H. Fisher and Lelia Dickerson Fisher. He was a Virginia Tech Alumni where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and Pi Kappa Fraternity. It was there that he established and maintained many lifelong friendships. He was an original partner of Knight Gallery LTD in Lynchburg, and Caesars LTD in Roanoke. He and his partners later opened Texas Steakhouse Restaurants in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Tom was a member of Oakland United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his cherished son, Jason Taylor Fisher; and sisters Yvonne Fisher of Shepardstown, W.Va., and Cynthia Fisher of Roanoke. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Billie D. Agee; sisters-in-law, Sharon Szydlowski and husband, Leo, and Laura Roach; brothers-in-law, John Agee and wife, Kin, and Mike Agee and wife, Kim. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

In additiona to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John Taylor Agee, Jr.; and brother-in-law and close friend, Keith Roach.

“Tom will always be best known to his Pi Kappa Brothers as “Root”, the guy with the great smile and a kind word as well as a one liner for everyone. He loved getting together with his Pi Kappa brothers and sharing stories and jokes about our days on Progress Street, usually gesturing with one hand in the air as he spoke. He had a huge heart and didn’t know a stranger. His marriage to Becky and raising his son Jason completed his remarkable life. Root left us all way too soon. We will always cherish our memories of the many good times that we enjoyed so much together.” - Michael Baldauf, Fall '67 3/6/2015

"Thomas Hawthorne Fisher, nicknamed “Root” at Patrick Henry High in Roanoke as he only weighed 80 lbs. as a Freshman. Tom enjoyed the nickname but I'm sure he got bullied a bit then but he possessed a great personality and quick wit to combat. Tom and I met at VT in Pi Kappa Fraternity in 1967, both enjoyed the socializing, brotherhood, and talking about different business ventures. Eventually, in September 1972, Tom and I became partners in Knight Gallery, LTD (a Restaurant, Motel, Nightclub, and Rental Properties Complex investment) in Lynchburg, VA. Starting a business on a shoestring was tough work for two great friends. Tom met his beautiful wife, Becky, "the girl of his dreams" in 1973 and they were married a few years later and have one son, Jason, also a VT grad. Tom persevered at this location for 27 years before selling his interest and was involved in other successful business pursuits along the way. What a great guy, Tom showed a special affection for fellow brothers Newt Robertson and Randy Zehmer. His friend, “Big Jim” Meador from Roanoke and Jim's GF “Hardhat” Helen from Lexington shared good times with us. One of his favorite one liners, at the appropriate time was, “Blank'em, all but six, and we'll save them for Pallbearers".... Tom was really a great fun guy and everyone who knew him, has missed him dearly since March 2007. RIP, “Root”" - G. A. Baker, Fall '67 4/11/2015