I'm as southern fried as they come...but when I mention "fried tomatoes" most folks think I'm talking about fried green tomatoes (sliced, dredged and deep fat fried, a southern standard)...but to me I prefer sliced ripe tomatoes dusted with flour, seasoned with salt and pepper and fried in butter until the flour coating (with absorbed butter) is browned and crisp...
For a great gravy...scramble up a pan load of the above and add butter, flour and milk... allow to thicken over low heat to just a boil and spoon over rice or plain white bread for a great finish...