“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Sherman, Texas -- Tommy Dee Thomas, 77, of Sherman, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. He was born Feb. 25, 1948, in Sherman, Texas, to Dee and Sallie Thomas.
The youngest of five children, Tommy grew up in Gunter, Texas and graduated from Gunter High School in 1966, where he enjoyed being involved in FFA and playing football. It was also in high school that he met the love of his life, Nancy Jane Hunter. They were married on September 27, 1968, and spent 57 wonderful years together.
Tommy and Nancy welcomed their daughter, Regina Dawn, in November 1969 and their son, Randy Scott, three years later.
Over the years, Tommy worked as a butcher and meat market manager in grocery stores all across Texas, including Sherman, Denison, Gainesville, Bells, Eastland, Bandera, and McKinney. Along the way, he and Nancy became quite the remodeling team, fixing up at least fifteen homes and leaving their mark wherever they lived.
Tommy was a devoted husband, dad, and pawpaw. Most of all, he loved the Lord and never missed a chance to share his faith. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people laugh with his jokes, pranks, and good-natured personality.
He loved fishing and woodworking, and his family will always laugh about the stories of “the ones that got away” and the time he caught “two fish at once.” They will also treasure the many handcrafted items he made with love and care.
In recent years, Tommy and Nancy were active members of First Baptist Church in Howe, Texas. Tommy enjoyed helping with church projects and Wednesday night meals. He also loved volunteering with the Denison Soup Kitchen (Center Cross). Even after his health began to fail, he and Nancy loved their weekly visits there.
When he wasn’t working or volunteering, Tommy’s favorite place was with his family — especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild. Playing games was a favorite, and he never minded helping the grandkids “cheat” just a little.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Dee and Sallie Thomas, and his sisters, Margie Thomas Wester and Vivian Thomas Armstrong.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy Thomas; his siblings, Mary Thomas Reed and James Thomas; his daughter, Regina Thomas O’Malley (Rex Hatridge); his son, Randy Thomas (Rachel); his grandchildren, Caitlin Dawn O’Malley (Matt Williams), Thomas O’Malley, Emma Thomas, Hunter Thomas and Brooke Thomas; and his great-granddaughters, Brinlee May Williams and the newest addition Hadlee Jane Williams who born on January 29, 2026.
Graveside service will be held at Gunter Cemetery on Tuesday, February 3, at 11:00. Roger Tidwell of First Baptist Church of Howe will officiate.
Online condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com
