Tommy Neal Almond

Tommy Neal Almond, 86, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2016 at Silverado Memory Care in Bee Cave, TX. He was born on May 11, 1930 in Broken Bow, OK to Tony and Mamie Almond. Tommy is survived by two children; Stephen Neal Almond (Patty) of Austin, TX and David Thomas Almond (Carmen) of Houston, TX, six grandchildren; Ryan Thomas Abbott of Philadelphia, PA, Lindsay Anne Dziedziula (Brent) of San Antonio, TX, Sherry Christine Olk (James) of Mackenbach, Germany, Thomas Anthony Almond of Houston, TX, Stephen Jared Almond of Galveston, TX, Sarah Elizabeth Seydler (AJ) of Houston, TX, five great grandchildren; Zoe Anne Dziedziula, Samantha Rose Almond, Korie Faith Dziedziula, Tyler Anthony Almond, James Aiden Olk, and Patty Almond’s daughter, Lisa Ann Hovermale of Austin, TX and three children; Lauren, McKaila and Jace. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Clarice and daughter Christy Anne Payne of Corpus Christi, TX.

Tommy grew up in Broken Bow, OK and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1949 where he was a star offensive and defensive back on the school’s football team. He met his wife, Clarice Anne Pratt, while enrolled at East Central State College in Ada, OK and playing halfback on the football team. Tom and Clarice were married on August 29, 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Wewoka, OK. He graduated from East Central in 1953 with a BS in Education. He was then drafted into the Army and served a two year stint at Fort Smith, AR as a gunnery sergeant. The couple then moved to Raymondville, TX where he was hired at Raymondville ISD as a middle school teacher and football coach. He soon was promoted to the school’s head football coach which the team went on to several years of exceptional records. During his stay in Raymondville, Tom received a Master of Science degree from Texas College of Arts and Industries (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville) and later a BS of Vocational Counseling at Prairie View A&M University. After eight years at Raymondville ISD, two at Corpus Christi Carroll and two at Haltom City High School near Fort Worth, TX, the couple returned to Corpus Christi where Tommy continued his football coaching career at Carroll High School and later as a vocational counselor at Corpus Christi ISD. He retired from teaching and counseling in 1990 and began pursuing other personal interests in fishing, golf and visiting his growing family across America.

Tommy loved to be with his family, listening to music and singing in the church choir, playing golf, watching sporting events on television and traveling across the US to visit with old friends, college buddies and family.

The family gratefully acknowledges the loving support of Bob and Toncy Dickson, Pastor Charles of Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church and the staff and caregivers of Silverado Memory Care in Bee Cave, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution be made to Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church.

Visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, September 16, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church, 10500 Stonewall Blvd on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. A Reception will be held at Jackson Woods Presbyterian Church immediately following Graveside Services.