Thomas Edward Hoopengarner, affectionately known as “Tommy” (and “Uncle Tommy” to many), passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the untimely age of 56. Tommy was a graduate of Hartford High School and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He also followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming a 32nd degree Freemason.
He was born on June 14, 1968 in Torrence, California before moving with his family, as a child, to their hometown of Hartford, Arkansas. A precocious child, Tommy learned to speak at a young age. He quickly developed a passion for speaking - something that everyone who met him knows - and acquired a passion for radio and entertainment. His childhood hero (aside from his father, Harry Thomas Hoopengarner) was Shotgun Tom Kelly. This would prove to be an important influence in Tommy’s life as he auditioned for and obtained his first job as a radio disc jockey, when he was only 17-years-old. As he honed his craft, Tommy was able to land increasing higher-profile jobs in radio. He started as a disc jockey at KISR-93 at the age of 21. During this time, he also thrived as a voiceover artist, producing local commercials and even commercials for the largest AM radio station in the country - WLS in Chicago. Perhaps the pinnacle of his entertainment career was later at B-98, where he had his own nationally syndicated program - the eponymous “Lovin’, Cryin’, or Leavin’”.
Years later, Tommy was an extremely loyal man with strong family values. He loved his nieces and nephews, and he helped to raise them. At this time, it made sense for Tommy to pursue other careers, while still using his talent to produce some commercials. He decided to become a police officer and held the position of Chief of Police for the city of Hartford for 12 years. Many residents of Hartford have shared their gratitude for Tommy’s ethics in small-town law enforcement. Tommy saved lives, spared lives, and taught lessons with the utmost mercy, love, and respect. A man who has always been known to “wear his heart on his sleeve,” he carried this attribute throughout his years protecting and serving the city of Hartford.
Tommy’s overwhelming amount of love, loyalty, and family values continued to shine through in countless ways throughout his life. He took on a major role of caring for his father when his father could no longer care for himself. Tommy viewed it as a labor of love and an attempt to repay his father for taking such great care of him and the entire family for decades. The amount of respect that Tommy had for his father, even years after his passing, was immense. He also loved his mother, Jackie, so much that he never left her side for his entire life.
Tommy is preceded in death by his father, Harry Thomas Hoopengarner, who was beloved by his family and highly respected by the Hartford community. Tommy is survived by his mother, Jacqueline (Smith) Hoopengarner; his sister, Susan Hoopengarner; 7 nieces and nephews (with spouses) - Kristen (and Todd) Mathis, Krystal Hoopengarner, Ryan (and Chloe) Spencer, Devan Sprecher, Kaylene Sprecher, Kathleen Sprecher, and Katie Gregory; 6 great nieces and nephews, Isaiah, Asher, Silas, Isaac, Holly, and Klaira. He is also survived by his partner of 3 years, Joshua McCollum, whom he loved dearly.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
