Thomas Evans Wood

1957 ∼ 2014

Thomas Evans Wood

Thomas E. "Tommy" Wood, 56, of Orangefield, Texas moved to his Heavenly home on May 10, 2014, getting there just in time to be with his mother on her first Mother's Day in Heaven. Tommy is celebrating being re-united, also, with his father and many other loved ones. He was born June 29, 1957 in Port Arthur, Texas to Leonard Olney Wood and Verna Ethel Bodden Wood (Clifton). He lived in Port Arthur most of his life, but also spent a number of years living in Grand Cayman, where his parents were born and raised. Tommy was a heavy equipment and marine mechanic -- both in this community and in Grand Cayman. While in Cayman, he also worked and enjoyed life in the water sports industry. He purchased a 35' catamaran in the Mobile area and then sailed it to Cayman, where he operated the "Fantasy Express," providing tourists with a true Caymanian experience. Tommy's love of life was contagious, as he brought fun and laughter to anyone who was near him. He showed the ultimate courage during the past 1-1/2 years while battling cancer, with an unwavering faith that had grown stronger after marrying his best friend, Ronda. Throughout his cancer journey, Tommy's Christian faith was most evident, as he spent a great deal of time each day reading scriptures, listening to television and radio evangelists and talking to his Heavenly Father in prayer. His family was most proud of him for immersing himself in reading his Bible from cover-to-cover in a very short period of time, and he often quoted scriptures that meant a great deal to him. He brought such peace to himself and his family by quickly reassuring everyone -- "me and God we're good with each other!" Tommy is survived by his wife, Ronda; his brother Leonard Wood; sister Verna Rutherford and husband Cal; step-sons, Mason, Taylor and Hunter Merritt; granddaughter Maddy Merritt; nephew Michael Wood; great-niece Jenna Wood; mother-in-law, Nell Brightwell and his mother's sister, Aunt Velona Woods. His many other family members and a multitude of friends, were all so very special to Tommy. A visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, followed by a Celebration of Tommy's life at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplin Linda Shiflet officiating. Tommy loved children and was an avid NASCAR fan. In honor of those passions -- and in honor of terminally ill children who receive services through Victory Junction organization, those wishing to make memorial contributions might consider sending them via: www.victoryjunction.org or to St. Jude's Hospital via: www.stjude.org .

Condolences

Anonymous May 19, 2014
What a beautiful service and a beautiful tribute to Tommy and our awesome God! Praying for all of you Ronda, Verna, Cal, Lenny and family.....so glad I could be there to share in the celebration of Tommy's life.
Anonymous May 18, 2014
Gone to miss a great friend from my child hood and later years.Love to my brother.Annette and Jeff Lee.
Anonymous May 18, 2014
Verna & Cal - sorry we cannot be there for the services. We have been and will continue to pray for you guys and your families. We know it has been a trying time for all of you.....debbie&lowell
Anonymous May 18, 2014
I will always remember that smile and how you always made my heart smile. Just being around you made me happy. Whenever you would come home and make me feel like you never left. You will always be in my heart and I hope to make you proud. You got the best seat in the house with Uncle Kevin, Uncle Al and Papa Jay. Love and Miss you Uncle Tommy.
Anonymous May 18, 2014
You all are in our prayers and thoughts. Love Always, Robbie & Paula & Family
Anonymous May 17, 2014
Love and prayers to Tommy's families as you celebrate his vibrant life. I met Tommy through Verna, his sister, in high school. Tommy is a fun, truly caring person and always with a smile. He carries the great qualities of his beloved family and will always be a treasure in my heart, forever. God's blessings and peace.
Anonymous May 17, 2014
I can still see Tommy loping towards us with his 1000-watt, knowing grin, ready with a warm hug & a funny tease in his charming Texas/Cayman drawl. May he rest in peace.
Anonymous May 17, 2014
Dear sweet Ronda, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I hold you in my heart with love and prayers, please know I am very sorry for the loss of your dear husband. He must have been one special man, all the beautiful words on these pages say a lot about what kind of man he was. I love you, and I am sorry. Your friend, Denise.
Anonymous May 16, 2014
To Tommy's family - Words of Comfort When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up the grass and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime whey they're supposed to be sleeping. They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing windsongs, they whisper to us. "Don't miss me too much!!!! The view is nice and I am doing just fine. Tommy? We know you are doing just fine. Rest in eternal peace.....we will love you to the end of time and back. Mary, Heather, Harilyn, Christine, Robin and families.
Anonymous May 16, 2014
Tommy came into our lives like a beautiful ray of sunshine. No matter how 'down' we felt at times, he had the wonderful knack of helping us to forget our troubles and make us laugh instead. It was such a pleasure having him as a friend and he will never be forgotten. Hamish & Valerie Drummond, and family
Anonymous May 16, 2014
We first met Tommy in Cayman and found, like everyone else, impossible to resist his engaging personality. His love of life and everything within it, (including his mare and her foal) endeared him to us. Those who knew and loved him have lost a shining example of positive thinking laced with wholesome humor. Our love and sympathy to all his family and to all who loved and will miss him. Sincerely, Beth and David
Anonymous May 16, 2014
Tommy you were always such a happy, fun-loving, kind, compassionate person. You had such a zest for life and ALWAYS wore a smile on your face. You will be sadly missed but we will always treasure the good times shared.
Anonymous May 15, 2014
Tommy you were one of a kind! We had a lot of good times together and a lot of good memories that I will never forget! So thankful I got to talk to you towards the end it meant a lot to me and more then anything I am so thankful for Ronda, she is truly a blessing and so glad you finally married your best friend, don't know her that well but I know why you loved her so much, she is one special lady! Hard to believe you are gone but do know you will be missed and everything will be ok <3
Anonymous May 15, 2014
Heaven has just welcomed one heck of a guy, but we've lost a good friend who always found a way to surprise us, make us laugh, and deflate the pretentious among us. And he was always the first to jump in and help his friends. Rest well Tommy --your suffering for so long saddened us deeply, as does the loss of such a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lenny and family at this difficult time. Jim & Barb
Anonymous May 15, 2014
Verna and Cal - our prayers are with you. Josette & Boo Brown
Anonymous May 15, 2014
I still can't believe that my Tommy is gone. Rhonda, you were his Guardian Angel and he LOVED you so much. You all made his last days a little easier knowing how much he was LOVED and taken care of. I love you all so much and I know that my Uncle Jesse and his family met him at the pearly gates! I will NEVER forget my Tommy!!!!!!
Anonymous May 14, 2014
Rhonda, I'm so sorry to hear about Tommy. Praying for you and your family.
Anonymous May 14, 2014
We are so sad of this family loss for Muffet, Lenny, Ronda, and Cal. Memories of Tommy's sweet smile and fun personality will live in the hearts forever. I am sure Ethel had her arms wrapped around him on Mother's Day when she and Woody welcomed him in the heaven of our Lord.
Anonymous May 14, 2014
I loved Tommy. He was one of the first people i met when i came to Cayman in 1980. Holiday Inn, no shoes and that Texas accent. coming from Texas myself we had a kindred spirit. never a cross word from him. i will truly miss him.
Anonymous May 14, 2014
Tommy - you were always a fun loving friend. I knew you so long and missed you when you were not in Cayman. You can rest peacefully now with your family and other friends. We will miss your friendly smile as you are a wonderful person. Love aways. Donna
Anonymous May 14, 2014
Tommy you will forever bring a smile to my heart everytime I think about you. You will be sadly missed.
Anonymous May 14, 2014
Tommy you will be missed Buddy, I will always remember our good times in Cayman.
Anonymous May 13, 2014
Rhonda & Family - I am so sorry for your loss. You are all very dear in my heart. May you find strength and courage through this time of sorrow. love u -tricky
Anonymous May 13, 2014
Rhonda so sorry to hear about the loss of Tommy. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. He was a very good friend and will be missed. Love, Paulette
Anonymous May 13, 2014
Condolences Rhonda.I am very sorry for your loss.
Anonymous May 13, 2014
So sorry for your loss Rhonda....Charles and I will keep you and the family in our prayers.
Anonymous May 13, 2014
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this time. God bless you all and may God's loving arms protect you all. Rest in peace Tommy