Tommy was born on May 20, 1947 in Crockett, Texas.
He married Marilyn Kay Cockrell Hughes on February 13, 1975 in Beaumont, Texas.
He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn and his beloved six children: Tammy Denise (Steve) Tallent of Plano, Texas, Kelly Marie Howell of Plano, Texas, Brandon Lynn Hughes Shiflett (Amanda) of Dallas, Texas, Tommy Lee (Brandi) Shiflett Jr. of Murphy, Texas, Jarrod Jay Hughes Shiflett of Prosper, Texas, and Nils Austin (Cori) Shiflett of Austin, Texas.
Tommy deeply loved his eight grandchildren: Terrell Lee Howell, Jayden Lane Howell, Ian Montgomery Howell, Derek Ryland Tallent, Connor David Tallent, Logan McKenzie Shiflett, Camden Rex Shiflett, and Dylan Jack Shiflett. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory numerous nieces and nephews.
Tommy was preceded in death by his father: Willie Hayne "Cooney" (Betty Sue) Shiflett.
Tommy was a lifetime pipeliner who followed in the footsteps of his Uncle Panama and his Dad "Cooney" among other family members. As a youth he started out as a laborer, became a helper, then broke out as a welder. After years on the line Tommy could operate every piece of machinery on the right of way and run every crew. He moved on up, even without a degree. He worked for many contractors and companies. Tommy earned a reputation for integrity and fairness. He was widely respected for his wealth of knowledge. He was a Sr. Construction Manager for Enbridge Energy for 14 years through Cleveland Integrity Services on multi-billion dollar projects. He developed the route, supervised survey, right of way, environmental and inspection. Tommy managed the construction on thousands of miles of pipeline across the United States. He was looking forward to continuing his career with a new position with Cleveland Integrity Services. Tommy Lee is in the Pipeliners Hall of Fame.
Everyone who knew Tommy liked him and respected him. He loved well and was well loved. Tommy will be greatly missed by many.
Honorary Pallbearers: Keith Cockrell, Richard Cockrell, Robert Cockrell, Robert Hahn, Marvin Shiflett, Steve Tallent, Ronnie Whitaker and Van Wyatt.
There will be a visitation with the family starting at 2 PM.
A Celebration of Life for Tommy will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 3:00 PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, located at 7990 George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, Texas 75252.
Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas has charge of arrangements.
