Born July 8, 1930 in Jackson, he was the only son of Loraine Teat Crockett and Thomas William Crockett.
Attended Jackson Public Schools
Graduated University of Mississippi in 1951
Kappa Alpha
Lieutenant in Air Force, 1951-1953
Practiced law 60 years in Jackson
2007 Received the Hinds County Bar Professionalism Award
Commanding Officer of Army Reserve JAG and rose to the rank of Colonel
1957 Founding member of the Mississippi Republican Party
Served on numerous boards.
Tom was blessed with a life marked by service to his city and state. A highly regarded lawyer, he is also remembered for his quick wit and good advice. Always the southern gentleman with his words and actions.
He increased his spirituality by reading book after book. Searching for answers and always joked when asked a questions he could not answer: “When I get to heaven, I will ask God.” Cathy, his wife, whispered to him; “do not get up in God’s face with all those questions. God is busy up in heaven and you want him to like you. Be patient!”
Patience was not a virtue for Tom. It was difficult for Tom to be patient when he witnessed cruelty and injustice to his fellow man. His impatience guided him to create the following: Rebuild midtown in downtown Jackson block by block by offering decent and affordable housing to the poor. For this to be successful, he knew he had to have jobs for the young men in the area, so he went to Baptist Hospital and other businesses to secure them jobs after school and summers.
Realizing that 30% of the nation’s poverty lies in the mid-south, (Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi) and was eroding our communities, he went to this law partner, Governor William Winters, to establish The Foundation for the Mid South. Together, the public and private sector focuses on four priorities: education, health and wellness, wealth building, and community development. One more time his impatience led him to help start the Institute for Technology Development.
Attending two Bible studies each week gave him joy and peace. He formed a group called the First Class Sinners and he was the Chief Sinner.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cathy, who told family and friends when learning of his diagnosis, “he will embrace death as he has life – soar with the eagles and touch the face God.”
Blessing his life are four children and step-son: Julie, Thomas (Elizabeth), Stephen (Amy), Andrew and Robert Hendrix (Cassandra); six grandchildren: Patrick, Sara Katherine, Elizabeth, Campbell, Will, and Robert Thomas.
The family like to thank his caregivers, especially Tim Burns.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the charity of your choice.
Interment will take place outside on the All Souls’ Walk Columbarium at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Monday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
The funeral will be held at the Cathedral on Tuesday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m. All reservations for attending in person have been filled, but please join us through the live-stream on our website, standrews.ms.
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