Thomas "Tommy" Michelli

Thomas “Tommy” Floyd Michelli, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. He was 74 years old. Tommy was a proud veteran of the US Army. He worked for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for 16 years before following his dream of opening Tommy’s Taxidermy. In addition to being an award-winning taxidermist, he served as President of Louisiana Taxidermy Association and an advisor to the National Taxidermy Association. Tommy was a devoted family man and an avid hunter and fisherman, a passion he shared with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Tommy’s happy place was his camp on Lake Bruin. It was here he was known as a legendary builder of burn piles, an accomplished harvester of pecans, and a master storyteller. His little yellow golf cart could be seen from miles away as he perused the lake visiting family and friends, scouting pecan trees, and looking for the occasional item to “pick”. Tommy was a man of great faith as well as a voracious reader of the Bible. He was a member of First Pentecostal Church of Baton Rouge. Tommy was grateful for the time Pastor Dan Davis invested in him and he held Pastor Davis in the highest regard.

Tommy was survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Alma “Ruth” (Chenier), whom he lovingly called Rudy. He is also survived by his sons, Shane Michael Michelli (Stephanie) and Jeremy Wayne Michelli (Brittany). Tommy was a devoted grandfather to 5 grandchildren; Michael (Laurie, fiancé), Easton, Bailynne, Tyler, and Skylar and a proud great-grandfather to 3 great-grandchildren; Hayden, Grayson, and Tatum. He is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Leiva, Jackie Doucet (Jerry); brothers, J.C. (Mary), James, and Mike (Betty); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death are parents, Jack and Leona Michelli; sister Brenda Guidry; brothers-in-law, Ard Leiva and Alton “Jimmy” Guidry; sister-in-law, Janis Michelli.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Clarity Hospice for the love and care shown to Tommy and his family. Tommy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Pallbearers will be, Michael and Easton Michelli, Marc Melancon Jr., Jeff Leiva, Lance Bergeron, and Joshua Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are James “Mike” Cannon, Timmy Amond, and Willie Rockco.

A visitation for Tommy will be held Monday, January 13, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at First Pentecostal Church, 2828 Jones Creek rd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816. A visitation will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2828 Jones Creek Rd, Baton Rouge, LA. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 12:00 PM, 2828 Jones Creek Rd, Baton Rouge, LA. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815.