Tommy Tompkins

Tommy J. Tompkins, age 78, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 12, 2025. He was born on August 6, 1946, in Pasadena, Texas, to Marshall Columbus and Hazel E. Tompkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marsha K. Tompkins, and his son, Marshal Christopher Tompkins. He was a dedicated member of Woodway First United Methodist Church, which he and Sandy joined when they moved to Waco. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Tompkins; his son, Richard Horton; brother-in-law, Al Corry; mother-in-law, Martha “Jo” Bryen; daughter-in-law, Shannon Horton; and grandchildren, Courtney, River, Ethan Horton, Marshal Cole, and Chloe Bella Tompkins.

Tommy and Sandy met when he attempted to sell her a pair of shoes, not realizing he was pitching the store’s newest employee. Believe it or not, Sandy asked Tommy on the first date, unknowingly that is. Sandy was stocking shoes in the back when another coworker approached her and asked her out on a date, wanting to politely decline his offer Sandy replied, “Sorry, I’m already going out with Tommy tonight.” Unbeknownst to Sandy, Tommy was the next aisle over and overheard the exchange. He poked his head around the corner and asked, “So where are we going?” This chance-exchange lead on to 50 years of marriage full of love, laughter, and adventure. 

Tommy dedicated his professional life to the shoe business, starting at the age of 14 (after successfully persuading his employer that he was a year older). He remained in the industry until 1993, culminating in his role as vice president of L.B. Evans. He left this position to prioritize time with his family in Waco.

It was then that Tommy transformed his passion for golf into his profession, opening his own golf shop, "Tee's Golf," at 719 New Road with his good friends and partners Deborah and Randy Veazey. From serving on the original board of the Starburst Golf Tournament to helping organize the Jamie's Place Tournament, Tommy was deeply committed to the Waco community.

Tommy sold Tee's Golf and retired after being diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. Initially given six months to live, he defied the odds and spent the next 25 years cherishing time with his family and enjoying his time on the golf course. He often said he wanted to live to see his eldest grandchild, Cole, reach kindergarten. Remarkably, he witnessed all five grandchildren reach kindergarten, four graduate high school, and the eldest two graduate from Baylor University.

In 2019, Tommy and Sandy purchased Twin Rivers Golf Club, restoring it to its original name, Bear Ridge Golf Club. Their goal was to revitalize the course, and they succeeded. Given Tommy's reputation from his days at Tee's Golf, the community enthusiastically supported their efforts.

A visitation will be held on February 14, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at Grace Gardens in Waco.