Thomas Linder Hoffman

With broken hearts we share the news of the passing of our beloved Thomas Linder Hoffman. Tom was born July 28, 1951, to John W. Hoffman, Sr. and Jean Linder Hoffman, the day before his Dad was to leave for the Chicago Bears training camp. Tom spent his early years in Chicago, along with his older brother John, Jr., and their parents.

After seven years in Chicago, the family moved to England, AR., where Tom began elementary school. He often said the years in England were the happiest most care-free years of his life. The family moved back to Little Rock, where Tom finished his elementary education at Garland Elementary. He then attended Westside Junior High, where he participated in sports, particularly football, as well as track and field events (throwing the shot-put and discus). Tom attended Little Rock Central High School (1967-1968), where he lettered in football, and participated in track and field events. During a study hall at Central High, Tom met the Love of his life, Vicki Henson. In 1968, the Hoffman family built their final home in what was then Pulaski County, and Tom completed his final 2 years of high school at McClellan High School, graduating in 1970. He then attended UALR for 1 year, after which he was offered a "track/work scholarship" with the University of Arkansas-Monticello. Tom and Vicki married, and headed to Monticello, attending 2 years before deciding that teaching/coaching was not to be his career of choice. They returned to Little Rock, where he followed his brother into service with the Little Rock Fire Department in September 1973. He faithfully served the LRFD for 42 years, retiring in 2016 as a Battalion Fire Chief. Tom and Vicki moved to their "forever home" in Bella Vista after living in Conway for 21 years. In 2025, Tom was diagnosed with MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome). He passed away December 24, 2025.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother, John W., Jr.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Vicki; their daughter, Katherine Melissa Corbell and her husband, Mark; their granddaughter, Brittany Laurren Powell and her husband, Tray; their grandson, Jeremy Scott Burleson; their great-granddaughter, Bethany Leigh Powell; his younger brother, Tobey Scott Hoffman, Sr. and his wife, Becky; and his devoted and much loved pup, Fritzi Belle; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, and devoted friends and extended family members.

A private grave-side ceremony was held at Pinecrest Memorial Park, with internment in the mausoleum.