Tommy Barrow has, in the words of the Apostle Paul, fought the good fight, run the race, and kept the faith. On June 29th, at 3:16 pm, surrounded by his family, Tommy was welcomed into his eternal home in Heaven.
Thomas David Barrow, “Tommy” as he was known to all, was born November 29, 1944, in Longview, Texas. He was the only child of Eunice and Clarence Barrow. Tommy made up for being an only child by making friends with the countless people that he met throughout his 74 years.
Tommy graduated from Longview High School in 1962. He attended North Texas University and TCU, but his adopted school was the University of Texas in Austin. He was honored when asked to serve as President of the Longhorn Foundation and remained forever an avid supporter of UT.
Tommy married the love of his life, Linda Deal, on June 17, 1967, after five years of dating. He was blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.
Next to God, Tommy’s family was his highest priority. He delighted in attending their sporting events, coaching their teams, traveling to exciting places with them, spending untold hours with them at Lake Cherokee, and of course, including all of their friends in the fun.
Tommy loved to travel and include family and friends whenever possible. There were many joyous times in Acapulco, Colorado and Palm Springs. The whole family joined him in learning how to play golf, card games, water ski and enjoy life to the fullest. He was always happiest when he had the children and grandchildren together for dinner.
In business, Tommy was greatly admired for his integrity, optimism, salesmanship and generosity. He began his career as a stock broker. In 1978, Tommy entered the oil and gas business and co-founded B & N Petroleum in Longview. He became a partner in Bargo Energy in Houston, and later became CEO of Barrow Energy. He was also a partner with Barrow Shaver Resources and McCaslin, Barrow, Henderson.
Tommy served generously on boards such as Nuevo Energy, Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Mbank, First National Bank of Longview, Pinecrest Country Club, Eldorado Country Club, Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation and Longhorn Foundation.
Perhaps what brought Tommy the most joy next to his family, was the ability to help others either financially or with encouragement and support. He was truly a cheerful giver of his time, talent and treasure. For all of these traits along with his quick wit, contagious laugh and genuine smile, he will be missed. Tommy made the world a better place and many will miss him. His family and friends could never tell if he had a bad day, as he always had the same optimistic disposition, even in the midst of cancer treatment. Cancer was the one challenge that he could not overcome, but throughout his two-year battle, he thanked God every day and acknowledged that God had a plan for his life, regardless of the circumstances.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Eunice Barrow. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 52 years, Linda Barrow; son and daughter-in-law Tom and Courtney, and their children Thomas and Max; daughter and son-in-law Laura and Chris Thomason, and their children Kate, Charlie and Mary; son and daughter-in-law Brian and Bettina, and their children India and Willa.
A memorial service celebrating Tommy’s life will be held at Park Cities Baptist Church at 1:00 pm on July 15th. All are invited to join the family at a reception that will be announced at the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to East West Ministries, 2001 W. Plano Pkwy #3000, Plano, TX 75075, First Liberty Institute, 2001 W. Plano Pkwy #1600, Plano, TX 75075, DallasFoundation.BSWHealth.com/HopeLodge or a charitable organization of your choice.
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