Tommy, as everyone affectionately calls him, was born in Stith, Texas in 1928. He graduated high school and attended Hardin-Simmons University studying business from 1945-1947. In 1947 he left college to work for Greyhound Bus Company as a baggage clerk. In 1952 he entered the United States Air Force and served at the base in San Antonio as a radio mechanic until his discharge in 1955. Upon his discharge, he returned to Greyhound and worked for them as assistant terminal manager until 1969. At that time he became the Camp Ranger at Camp Tonkawa and remained there until his retirement in 1993.

Tommy has always been dedicated to community service. He has served on the administrative board at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Sunday school teacher and bus driver at Southwest Park Baptist, and Royal Ambassador leader. He was active with the Jim Ned Booster Club where he served as President and also served as a FFA leader.

Since he grew up in Scouting, Tommy has had deep roots with the program. He joined Scouting in 1940 and in 1948 became Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 3 chartered to University Baptist Church. In 1963 he became involved with Pack 9 chartered to the Bowie PTA and served as Assistant Cubmaster and Cubmaster until 1966. In 1967 he became the Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 215 chartered to the Optimist Club of Abilene. From 1967-1970 he was affiliated with Troop 2 chartered to Fairmont United Methodist Church serving as Assistant Scoutmaster and later as Scoutmaster. From 1971-1973 he served as Scoutmaster of Troop 32 chartered to Buffalo Gap Baptist Church. As a District level volunteer and Camp Ranger, he served on the training team and assisted with 31 Timber Tag courses. Tommy was active in the Kotso Lodge Order of the Arrow and was recognized with the Vigil Honor and the Founders Award. In 1968 he attended Woodbadge at Philmont and was awarded his beads in 1969.

Tommy is a person who has earned an honorable place in the hearts and lives of many boys and adults in the Scouting program because of his years of service both as a volunteer and as an employee of the Boy Scouts of America. He has truly influenced the path and direction of the youth in the Chisholm Trail Council.

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Current as of 05/31/2003

Chisholm Trail Council Abilene Boy Scouts of America, Texas