Tommy Brumley

William "Tommy" Brumley passed away on August 4, 2026. He was born on Christmas Day in 1935 in Red River County, Texas, to Fannie Baumgardner and Pleasant "Ples" Brumley. What little formal education he received was in Savoy, Texas. Tommy was born during a time when children were an important part of the family's workforce. As the son of sharecroppers, he and his sisters spent their childhood picking cotton. Because of their family's work, they moved often from town to town, sometimes renting small homes and other times staying with relatives. Tommy shared many stories about growing up in houses with dirt floors, no electricity, and no running water. Though life was far from easy, he always remembered those homes as places filled with love.

In 1954, Tommy proudly enlisted in the United States Army. He served both in the United States and in Germany before receiving an honorable discharge in 1957 after completing his three-year commitment. Throughout his life, Tommy worked many jobs, including Montgomery Ward, Knox Glass, Gregg Oil, and Grayson County College. He was also a talented mechanic who could fix just about anything.

Anyone who knew Tommy knew he was truly a gentle giant. In his younger years, he stood 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighed more than 300 pounds, and was "country strong." He was kind, gentle, and loving, but if you happened to make him mad, it was best to stay out of his way.

Tommy loved the outdoors, but nothing compared to his passion for fishing, especially catfishing. He had little interest in striped bass or black bass. Catfish were his specialty, and trot lining was an art he had mastered. Over the years, he caught countless catfish, from ones that were, as he liked to say, "big enough to make the grease stink," to fish weighing nearly 100 pounds. Ironically, Tommy never cared much for eating fish. He was always more of a steak-and-potatoes kind of man. Many family members and friends were fortunate enough to share in Tommy's love of fishing, whether by sitting beside him on the water or simply listening to one of his unforgettable fishing stories. Tommy was an exceptional storyteller. He had a way of telling every story with enthusiasm, excitement, and plenty of laughter that left everyone smiling.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; one daughter; and many other beloved family members.

He is survived by one sister; three daughters and their families; numerous nieces and nephews; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with countless friends who will miss him dearly.

If Tommy had written these final words himself, he would have simply said, "Thank you" to all of his caregivers and the loved ones who stood faithfully beside him during his final years. He was a proud and independent man who never liked asking for help. He would also ask everyone to please take good care of his dog, Mooney, who was his faithful companion through the difficult times.

Rest easy, Tommy. We love you, we will miss you, and we'll see you again someday.

Graveside services with Military Honors for Tommy will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Winterfield Cemetery, 915 CR 2400, Pickton, Texas 75471, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his life and honor his faithful service to our country.

Graveside services for William "Tommy" Brumley are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.