It bothers me that this blog is used as an obituary column with more frequency than I'd like. However, when people pass away who mean something to me, I feel compelled to dedicate this space to their honor and memory. Thomas C. Lemons aka "Top Cat", and more commonly known in drag racing circles as "T.C." Lemons died from a heart attack. "T.C." is most known for his association and friendship with "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. Yes, the same Don Garlits who rambled so much to me about his fascination with UFO's, was also fascinated by the innovative skills that "T.C." brought to his "Swamp Rat" racing operation. Starting all the way back in the late 1960's, up to the time "T.C." recently died, the relationship between the two, though having its occasional ups and downs, lasted for decades. When Garlits was developing his revolutionary rear engine dragster, it was "T.C." who was instrumental in making it work. "T.C." also played a role in helping Garlits get his museum in Florida up and running, including managing many of the more difficult and demanding display restorations... It was at E'Town where I had the opportunity to meet "T.C.", he approached me with some sort of wisecrack, although a friendly and gentlemanly wisecrack, and to be honest, I had no idea of who he was until he explained himself to me-- We then went on to have an enlightening conversation. He thought it was cool that I do what I do for drag racing-- And I was genuinely impressed with his industrious and resourceful manner. I respect him because he wasn't intimidated at all by me being a woman doing the job I do, like some peers of his generation occasionally are. "T.C." was an open-minded man. He obviously knew a lot, a real lot, but unlike some geezers, who hardly know a fraction of what he did, "T.C." wasn't a blowhard about it. He was a man who came across to me as being a genius, or possibly borderline genius, but handled himself extemporaneously, naturally, and instinctively-- He definitely possessed lots of intelligence, but kept himself in balance with an equal amount of humor and humility. That's the kind of guy he was, the kind of guy I can respect and admire... I'd like to express to Thomas C. Lemons' family and friends my most sincere of condolences. May he be granted eternal rest and bliss, and everything else a great man like "T.C." deserves in the alleged afterlife....