Born on May 20, 1930, to Bryon and Lillian Slusser, Tommy Slusser grew up on a farm near Slusser's Chapel, in Montgomery County, Virginia. During World War II, while Bryon worked in an ammunition factory, Tommy helped to run the family farm. In the Fall of 1946, the family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida seeking a warm, humid climate because Byron had asthma. Tommy enrolled in St. Petersburg High School where he played in the orchestra and graduated in 1948. While at St. Pete High, Tommy met Betty Juanita Garrett whose family had also relocated to St. Petersburg from a farm in Malone, Florida. On January 20, 1951, Tom and Betty were married. They lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. A daughter, Terri, was born in 1952 and a son, Glen, was born in 1957.

Tommy worked as a mechanic and served in the Florida National Guard. He eventually rose to the position of Service Manager at Adcock and Keelan Buick Companies. He was known for his knowledge of automobiles as well as his honesty.

Tommy was a member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, both the old campus on Fifth Avenue South and the current location on Fifth Avenue North. He served as a deacon, an usher, greeter and was one of the first people that visitors met on their arrival at the church. His smile and handshake could warm up a room. He was active on many committees and served God faithfully there.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Slusser, a daughter Terri Slusser Sweat (Gary), and a son, Glen Thomas Slusser (Cathy), four grandchildren, Alison Sweat DeMarco (Dan), Jennifer Sweat Kelly(Aaron), Robert Thomas Slusser and Timothy Glen Slusser (Miranda), and three great grandchildren, Julia DeMarco, Daniel DeMarco and Jonah Slusser. He was predeceased by his sisters, Ann Siar and Louise MacKenzie, and his brother, Robert Slusser.