Thomas Frank “Tommy” Jeffcoat, Jr.

Thomas Frank “Tommy” Jeffcoat, Jr., a resident of Nome, Texas, passed away on November 23, 2017, at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, Texas. Tommy, who always lived life to the fullest, was deer hunting at his ranch in Eden, Texas and had just shot his first buck of the season.

Tommy was born on December 18, 1944 in Conway, AR and grew up in Lumberton, TX. Following graduation from Kountze High School, he attended Jacksonville Junior College on a basketball scholarship. Tommy began his career with Coca Cola Bottling Company at the Beaumont Plant. From there he rose through the ranks of the Coca Cola USA. When notified of his promotion to Coke’s Houston office, he decided to join his father-in-law Poley Mitchell as a rice farmer in the Beaumont area. Tommy grew his farming and ranching business to become one of the largest in Southeast Texas, winning Farmer of the Year in 2002 at the Winnie Rice Festival. He had a Midas touch with business and perhaps preceded President Trump with mastering the art of the deal.

Over the years, Tommy was very active in the farming community. He has served on the boards for the American Rice Growers, Southeast Texas Farm and Ranch, and the Farm Service Agency. He was also recognized for his community service with Boys’ Haven.

Tommy had a number of interests in life in addition to hunting which included fishing, traveling, playing basketball, Corvettes, and working on his ranch.

Tommy had a great sense of humor and was a great kidder. He was devoted to his family and spent much time with his grandchildren. He was the patriarch of his family and was the foundation upon which they relied. Tommy was respected for his dependability, straight forwardness, generosity, and honesty. Tommy was a devout Christian and loved the Lord. Tommy’s passing has left a void in our hearts, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Frank “Pete” Jeffcoat, Sr. and Donnie Lois Joyner Jeffcoat, and an infant daughter, Melinda Sue Jeffcoat. Tommy is survived by his wife of almost forty-six years, Kathleen “Kay” Mitchell Jeffcoat; three sisters, Donna Jean Jeffcoat Brown, Marilyn Sue Jeffcoat Howe, Sharon Ann Jeffcoat Spears; four daughters, Belinda Ann Jeffcoat, Tonya V. Wilkerson Shy, Deborah Christine Wilkerson, Jennifer Kay Jeffcoat Nixon; and a son, Jon Thomas Jeffcoat. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Jake Willis; Erin, Jack, Lainey, and Liv Jeffcoat; Owen and Cody Jeffcoat; Kacie Bass, Jessica McEachern, and Zach Jeffcoat. Surviving great-grandchildren are Noah, Emeri, and Jonah McEachern. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

A gathering of Mr. Jeffcoat’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at China Cemetery, China.

Services will be officiated by Reverend Robert “Scooter” Wenner, pastor of First Baptist Church of Fannett, Texas. Pallbearers will be Jake Willis, Cody Jeffcoat, Joel Jeffcoat, Geoffrey Howe, Sonny Wegner, and Dusty Eaves. Honorary pallbearers are Cowboys: Don Willey, AJ Flowers, Dorman Eaves, Jesse Eaves, Josh Eaves, and Travis Eaves.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.