Deacon William Tew: 1947-2024

By The Catholic Week
Deacon William Tew, who served the Archdiocese of Mobile as a deacon for more than 40 years, died Jan. 6 at the age of 76. Deacon Tew was ordained in 1984 and along with his ministry as a deacon, he served St. Pius X Parish in Mobile as a teacher, adult and youth choir director and parish manager. Born Jan. 23, 1947, Deacon Tew was a lifelong resident of Mobile. He attended St. Pius X Catholic School, McGill Institute and the University of South Alabama. Anyone who knew Deacon Tew knew his love for music. He was proficient in many musical instruments, especially guitar and piano. He loved animals and rescued several cats and dogs. He started his own printing business in 1975 that continues to operate. Above all else, he valued his family. Deacon Tew is preceded in death by his parents, William L. Tew, Sr. and Dorothy Wagner Tew; and a great-nephew, Adam Clark. He is survived by two sisters, Lyn Tew Gump (Billy) and Kimberly N. Tew; a brother, Thomas S. Tew Sr. (Emoline); four nieces and nephews that he treated as his own, Daniel Gump, Sr., Ryan Gump, Thomas Tew, Jr. (Angie) and Melanie Beaty (Joe); 10 great-nieces and nephews, Kathryn Kilpatrick (Allin), Daniel Gump Jr., William Gump, Jacob Clark, Emma Tew, Thomas Tew III, Mabel Tew, Joseph Beaty, Margaret Beaty, Mary Bentley Beaty; two great-great-nephews, Harvy Kilpatrick and Elijah Clark; and his cat, Gus. Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 16 at St. Pius X. Interment followed at Mobile Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Hope4Hearts Animal Rescue.