Thomas “Tommy” Don Rachel, Sr., aged 81, departed this world March 6, 2023, after a lengthy illness. He was born August 22, 1941 to Ruby Bell Campbell and William Ralph Rachel of Bossier City.
Tommy graduated from Bossier High School, where he played basketball on the 1960 State Championship winning team and earned an All-City Team title. He also attended and played basketball at Northwestern State University. Tommy bravely served in the United States Army at Fort Still, Oklahoma in Vietnam.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Ruby and Ralph Rachel, sister and brother-in-law; Mary Francis and Wayne Yates, grandson; Colten Miller, nephew; James “J” Rachel, and many dear family and friends.
Tommy went to work for Western Geophysical in Shreveport, Louisiana and later in Houston, Texas. Upon moving back to Shreveport, he worked in banking and later for Sherman Oil. In 1984, he and his cousin Leroy Nuckolls opened Twin Cities Car Wash in Bossier City. It has served the community for close to 40 years and has been a huge part of his life. His son joined the family business in 1995, working alongside him for 28 years.
Tommy was a dedicated father, grandfather, family member and friend. He enjoyed watching movies, water skiing, golf, fishing, hunting and sports, especially LSU football. He also enjoyed coaching young kids in basketball and football. He was a generous man with a kind heart. He liked helping people in a very humble and understated way. He loved his family immensely and relished spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Tommy is survived by his children: Thomas Don “Donnie” Rachel, Jr., and Kimberly Rachel Mills and husband Eric, grandchildren: Sarah Marguerite Rachel and Thomas Don Rachel III, brother; James Ralph Rachel and wife Viddie, beloved aunt; Nettie Nuckolls, nieces: Sheri Yates, Sharon Yates Grubb and husband Greg, and Kelli Rachel Rehak and husband Bill, and many other extended family and friends.
A Visitation will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 601 US-80, Haughton, LA 71037, from 5-7 pm Sunday, March 12. A funeral will be held Monday, March 13, at 10 am in the same location.
Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.
Pallbearers will be Michael Berlin, Lane Cantrell, Greg Grubbs, Matthew Haltom, Grant Nuckolls, and Lee Upshaw. Honorary Pallbearers will be Vernon Crawford, Dwayne Johnson, Leroy Nuckolls, Larry Oswald, and Cecil Upshaw.
“We hold you close, within our hearts, and there you will remain. To walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again.”
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillCrestMemorialFH.com for the Rachel family.
