Tommy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, preacher, counselor and friend. He had a lifelong passion for reaching those who did not know his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tommy graduated from Decatur County High School in Decaturville, TN, a member and president of the class ‘59. He was a graduate of Union University in Jackson, TN, and then earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology degrees from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as a Baptist minister for over 50 years, pastoring churches across several states, including TN, LA, VA and TX. He also served in several churches during his time in college and seminary and even after he retired. He was often fondly referred to as Dr. Tommy.
Tommy’s physical presence, strong voice, humor and quick wit were gifts from God to help spread His word in the pulpit, the community and in countries he visited while doing mission work. Tommy had the gift of making a difference in the lives of those who knew him.
Over the years Tommy enjoyed hunting and fishing in the bayous of Louisiana, but his skill with the rod was rivaled by his skill in story telling of both the fish caught and the ones that got away. He was an avid reader and re-reader of Louis L’Amour novels. Tommy was an expert card player whom you didn’t want to play against in a game of spades, and he enjoyed laughing and joking with people.
Tommy loved his home state of Tennessee and visiting the mountains of Gatlinburg, but also came to love the beautiful state of VA. Whether he was cheering on his beloved Tennessee Vols, LSU Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals or New Orleans Saints, he was a passionate sports fan.
Tommy took the most joy however, in spending time, sharing stories, laughs, and good food with family and friends and enjoyed attending his wife, children and grandchildren’s activities.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty-three years, Sue Smith Harrell, son James Alan Harrell and his wife Cheryl Tucker Harrell, daughter Amy Harrell Burford and her husband John Jason Burford, his four grandchildren Tucker Mason Harrell, Anna Katherine Harrell, John Thomas Burford and Caroline Batson Burford as well as nieces and nephews in TX and several western states.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Eddie Sue Brundrett and Peggy Doughty, and his parents. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. The burial and graveside service will be January 5, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, MS. Memorial gifts may be given to honor Tommy’s life and memory through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
