Thomas Henry Rasberry, fondly called Henry by his childhood friends, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024, at the age of 82. A long-time resident of Arlington, Texas, Tom’s life was marked by love, dedication, and a vibrant spirit.
Born on September 25, 1941, in the piney woods of Tyler, Texas, Tom was the beloved son of Mary Jane Pursley and Jim Meirl Rasberry. He was the second of four brothers, and his early years were filled with the camaraderie of sibling adventures, lifelong friendships, and schooling in Marshall, Texas. Stories of his escapades would often be shared with laughter at family gatherings.
He pursued his business education at Kilgore Junior College and later at Lamar University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. On July 25, 1965, Tom married his sweetheart, Sandra Jane Collier, in Longview, Texas. Their love story was one of devotion, loyalty, and dedication to their daughters, Melissa and Amy.
Tom enjoyed a successful, distinguished 34-year career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Known for his dedication and excellence, Tom earned numerous promotions and made lasting friendships with colleagues. His work took him from East Texas to Beaumont, Houston, and finally, Arlington, Texas, where he and Sandra made their retirement home in Oak Lake.
Tom's love for the outdoors was a defining part of his life. He found joy in hunting, especially dove hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a handyman at heart, always engaged in home projects, neighborhood projects, and car maintenance. His sense of humor was legendary; he loved a good joke and retold it with his own unique flair.
Tom is survived by his loving daughter, Melissa Rasberry Parsinen, and husband, Scott; his cherished grandchildren, Courtney and Garrett Hayes; and his great-grandson, Stephen. He is also survived by his brothers Jim Rasberry and wife Mary Ann, Ronnie Rasberry and wife Kathy, and Mark Rasberry and wife Debbie, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife, Sandra Jane Collier Rasberry; his daughter, Amy Elizabeth Rasberry; and his grandson, Hunter Ross Hayes.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Rush Creek Church- Green Oaks, 2350 SW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, Texas, at 10:00 am.
Burial will follow on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Memory Park Cemetery, 2823 East Marshall Avenue, Longview, Texas, at 10:00 am.
If you desire to send flowers, please send yellow sunflowers in Tom's memory. Their bright yellow color shines like the joy Tom brought to so many during his lifetime. These flowers are also an integral part of dove hunting season, something Tom looked forward to so very much each September. These beautiful flowers are a fitting tribute to a man with an incredibly sunny disposition who loved both the simplicity and splendor of nature.
Flowers for the burial service may be sent to: Lakeview Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 5000 West Harrison Road, Longview, TX 75604
Memorial contributions can be made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/donations/ to honor Tom’s love for the state of Texas and for the great outdoors.
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