Gloria and Lisa.  I came across the fact that Todd had passed in 2019.  Though I knew this side of the family little other than Grandma Doris.  I want you to know we share his loss and so impressed by his love for the Lord.  Cathy Shine Swanson  (Valentine side of the family).

Todd umpired and reffed my kids for years. He never failed to talk to me during and after games and  say, “Coach, I appreciate you.”  He was an awesome man and will be missed. 

You simply could not meet Todd & leave the same.  He always encouraged with a word of hope & truth.  He no longer needs that hope but we sure do!  I loved Todd Eaton & always smiled when I saw him....I will do the same in eternity I am sure.  I Lost touch with him after BBC but never forgot his voice, his ways, his humor...he was hard to describe....but easy to love!  Prayers for Gloria!  ❤️

Gloria, just thinking about Todd brings a smile to my face. I always chuckled when he called me "Dr. Nelson." For years, I purposely entered church on Sunday morning through the door where I knew I'd be greeted by Todd. When he saw our young daughter, who in her early years never went anywhere without a hair bow, he would always say, "that's Dave Nelson with a bow!" Fortunately, she's grown out of that  (ha!). I first learned of Charles Stanley in conversation with Todd; I'm still grateful for that. I appreciated it when he would ask me, "What's God doing in your life?" He was a real blessing to me and to so many others. I wonder how many other Phillies fans he's met in heaven? Gloria, may God's loving care be evident in your life as never before.

Todd was always one of our favorite umpires. I coached and argued with him for 15 years.  The Greenbergs send their prayers and thoughts. Gbless

I’m still in a bit of shock as I can’t help but see that contagious smile on Todd’s face.
I met Todd while playing in an adult sports league and we instantly connected . He loved the Phillies as he would always call to the sideline to check the score. More than the Phillies... Todd loved the lord and would share his love for God every chance he got. I’m going to miss seeing my friend. I’m a better Father, Christian, and man because I knew Todd. I’m delighted to have known him albeit heartbroken to learn of his passing. However, I find tremendous joy in knowing that Todd is in heaven with the God he loved so much. Todd I will NEVER forget you, rest easy my friend.

Todd’s home going service today was a wonderful testimony to the kind of man he was. I will miss him. I can still here him calling out. “Hey Fightin Bubba, Christ in us the hope of glory. That’s what it’s all about..” Yes, Todd and no one here knows that better than you do now.. We will pray for Glo, your precious wife.

Todd was a truly great person. He never met a stranger and was always positive no matter what the situation. He will be missed here on earth but heaven awaits. I am a better person for knowing Todd. 

Todd was the best!   Called my kids games and was our AFLAC agent.  He also delivered a few packages when he drove some for UPS. Excellent role model for my kids. And a good friend and brother in Christ to us.  We will miss his smiling face and his passion for kids sports!   Heaven gained a wonderful man whose impact here was outstanding and glorified the Lord!  Love ya Todd.  Praying for u Gloria.  Not sure we ever met but Todd loved u and always talked about u with a glow in his eyes. 

My heart goes out to Gloria and all of Todd's family.    

The JCC community where Todd has refereed for years will join me in feeling the void created by losing one  of our most consistent and pleasant personalities.  

For decades as I have entered the gym, my day has been brightened when seeing the dynamic duo of Todd and Chris on the floor smiling and beating all the youngsters up and down the floor where they reffed so effortlessly and without error, ever!  I say that authoritatively, because I never saw Todd doubt a call even once...his comments to small time basketball were as fun, as constructive, and as eloquent as were his Dad's to big basketball.

Todd always found the common ground that he and I shared -- interest in our city, our Tigers or Grizzlies, our Airport, our respective religions, and in each other's families.   I have heroes in my life around basketball, and Todd was truly in the top of that group.

I'll miss you brother and I pray your family suffers no more sorrow and finds healing somehow in palpably feeling the rich  memories of your larger than life personality.  

This is heartbreaking news. I first met Todd through a friend at Ridgeway High School in 1978. He helped lead me to the Lord in 1982. Todd and his family lived about a quarter of a mile from me and my family for many years. We still talked on the phone from time to time. Todd was always ministering to me and making sure that my walk with Jesus was going well. He had a nickname for everyone. Mine was "Johnny B. Shelton, the 3rd." Todd was always smiling, and every conversation we had always included talking about Jesus. Todd was there during my sister's passing in April of 2019. Little did we know that would be the last time we would see each other. As others have said, Todd always stressed obedience in every Christian life was essential. My dear friend and brother is now rejoicing at the feet of our Savior, Jesus. My heart is broken, and my prayers and condolences go out to Todd's sweet wife, Gloria and his sister Lisa. I have no doubt that Todd was greeted by our Lord with those words, " Well done, my good and faithful servant." Rest peacefully in the Lord's arms brother. I will see you in Heaven one day.

Todd was a joy to be around. His spirit of Jesus was contagious. He will be greatly missed by all the kids, coaches, and parents that he influenced. Rest easy in the arms of Jesus. We will meet again. 

Where do I begin?  Todd Eaton was one of the greatest friends that I ever had!  We had so much fun every single time we were together.  Our passion for all things sports led to many long conversations, but what I will remember the most by far, are our conversations about the Lord.  Every single time Todd and I were together, he would always ask me how my walk with Jesus was going.  It’s all about Obedience, Obedience to Christ!  That is what Todd stressed over and over and over throughout the years to his friends and those he taught. 

Todd was an amazing referee in all sports and impacted thousands of players, parents, and fans throughout the years with his contagious personality.  Just recently he told me he was sorry for calling a very specific foul on me in a basketball game at Bellevue nearly 20 years ago.   We had lots of fun with that call and many others over the years.  

Todd was also a natural behind the mic like his father Jack Eaton.  I will always remember doing color commentary alongside Todd as he did the play by play for a Memphis Houn’Dawgs ABA game radio broadcast. 

In a day when many communicate by text,  email, or phone, Todd was old school and loved to talk and connect in person.  

One of the many funny sayings that I learned from Todd and still use often when someone asks me a question I think has an obvious answer, “Is a four pound Robin fat?” 

You are loved dearly and will be missed my friend!   

My sincere condolences  to Gloria and the family of Todd Eaton. 
I remember meeting Todd back in 1983. We became friend, and shared a special bond. Todd would always send me scriptures and words of encouragement. He never came to Briarcrest without stopping  by to spend time with me.   We would often sit and talk about family and nuggets that our parents/grandparents shared with us that’s still with us today. Whenever I needed an official to referee games Todd was always there or would find someone to fill in. I would often watch as Todd officiated games, he never missed an opportunity to minister to the kids on the floor with comments and words of encouragement. Years ago Todd shared a comment that He had heard someone say “Truer words were never spoken through falser teeth”.   That became our mantra. We never talked without one or the other making that comment. During our time of In-service when we would have annual benefits meetings Todd was always there as a representative of Aflac. Even in his time of promoting the benefits, he never failed to share with us the joy and the benefits of knowing Jesus.  I will greatly miss Todd and the special friendship that we shared. Every time he was in my presence, or through a phone call or a text, Todd always said “Thank you for the friendship”. 
In closing I want to say to Todd, Thank you my brother for the friendship. 
Revelation 14:13  Blessed are they who die in the Lord henceforth says the spirit for they rest from their labor and their works do follow them.  
Rest In Peace my Brother
Coach Lee Smith


I first met Todd when he was reffing games at ridgeway men’s church league.  He always impressed me with his fairness and willingness to admit missing a call.  He had a great love for the Lord.  In recent years he assisted me with reffing games or lining up refs for me for my small schools team.  He will be missed but I look forward to seeing him again.  

I grew up on the same block as Todd.  He was one of the nicest guys I have ever known.  One of my favorite memories is him giving me a ride home from the bus stop one hot August day when I was in Jr. High.  I’m pretty sure he was in his yellow Pacer.  

We will be forever grateful for all the times we and Todd had sharing Jesus. We can hear Jesus saying to Todd  “Well Done”.  And we’ll never forget at his wedding when he saw Gloria for the first time in her beautiful wedding dress he said....WOW!   Todd always had “the Joy of Lord “. We Praise God!!!!

I first met Todd when we played baseball together for the Terminix Tigers when I was 13 years old.  He would pitch and I was catching and I can still remember him looking at me and asking if his curve ball was breaking every time he'd throw one.  We lost touch over the years but I would occasionally run into him when my son was playing pee wee football at Cameron Brown park and he'd be calling a game.  I was just thinking about him last weekend while in Dallas watching the Tigers play Penn State and wondering if he was there because he loved Penn State.  I use to tell him how ugly the Penn State uniforms were and he thought they were the most beautiful uniforms in college football.  He was one of the nicest people I've ever met and always had a smile on his face and I'm blessed to have known him.

My husband Mark was in Todd’s class in the Single Adult Ministry at Bellevue. Todd taught often about obedience.  He loved Jesus and influenced many. He will be greatly missed. Much love and prayers to Gloria and the family. 

Lisa and Mark Moses

The first time I met Todd was at the JCC softball field. I was wearing my Yankees hat and he cheerfully said “What’s up Derek Jeter” . I laughed it off, but over the years my nickname changed every time I played any position. And he would name me whatever Yankee he knew played that spot. He always had nicknames for all the guys playing and I never once saw the man without a smile. One of the best men I have had the privilege of meeting, he will be missed!

Thank you Todd for teaching me the importance of surrender and obedience to Jesus Christ in Bellevue’s singles men’s ministry.  Thank you for serving and giving to me. I saw the passionate spirit of God in you all the time. You poured yourself into so many, and I’m thankful you were part of my life.  I’m praying for Gloria and family members.  

One of my strongest memories from childhood is playing basketball in the Bellevue recreational league and Todd Eaton serving as referee week after week. There's no telling how many dirty looks I shot him over foul calls I disagreed with over the years.  I'm thankful for Todd's willingness to serve and deal with hundreds (if not thousands) of athletes like myself. He will be missed in so many ways.

I first Met Todd while attending his Sunday Men’s School class in the singles ministry at Bellevue Baptist church. I will always remember his passion for Jesus. His famous phrase to us young men was “It’s all about obedience”. By that he meant the Christian life is all about obedience to Christ. He would frequently ask “Are you living in obedience” What an impact he made on my life! I’m pray for Gloria and the extended family.

I admit that one of the reasons I enjoyed coaching at BBC was the chance to work with Todd.  He was one of my favorite refs. I always loved the fact that he was fair, consistent and most importantly he was ready to share the gospel with the young men on the court. Todd made a huge difference in this world by just being himself. I will truly miss seeing him on the court this season.  Thank you Todd for making such an impact in my life and the hundreds of kids you worked with. Well done!

While coaching basketball at Bellevue Todd refereed many of my games and then some of my grandson’s games years later.  He was always fair, accurate and a joy to be around. I’ll never forget him smiling as he ran down the court. He wanted the players to learn something each game and he helped them as much as the coaches did. You will be missed my friend. 

Todd was a great example of how a man of Christ should act he always supported and worried about other people he was definitely a people person. I will miss his smile and is positive comments about life. I was looking forward to having lunch with him next week he always said to give my wife a hug for him he was loving caring always looking out for others Todd you will be missed greatly but I know you will be watching over all of us here telling us to put Christ first always

 Todd was there for me as a new believer in Christ almost 30 years ago at my first job. I’ll never forget our lunch meetings then going over “ the saving life of Christ” which Todd was glad to broadcast across the restaurant- once a broadcaster always a broadcaster! He was at my wedding encouraging me to be a faithful husband. Todd was a faithful friend and witness to my extended family over the years. Our paths continually crossed over the years through business, church, and as a ref at my kids football, basketball and softball games. It gave me great joy to heckle a  strike call in jest from behind the fence recently w Todd. I couldn’t wait to see you again to ask who you were pulling for in the Cotton Bowl. Praying for you Gloria, we will all miss Todd dearly. Well done Todd, you inspire us all to be more faithful. See you soon brother.

To: Todd Eaton's Family:

The first time I met Todd was back at High School, he had a incredible personalty, smart with a witty sense of humor, love to tell stories and was just an overall great human being. During Todd's baseball playing days as a pitcher he had a ball delivery that was enjoyable and fun to watch - especially his passionate reaction after throwing off speed junk that fooled the hitter. He was a big part of our team's success back then.  When I received a text from a couple of our classmates , I couldn't believe what I was reading. Todd was a good friend during our school years and I'm sadden that we didn't continue to connect more in our adult life.  Please accept our condolence as Ann and I have you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 
God Bless you all...
Mike & Ann Dion
Mansfield, Texas

Todd was such an encouragement while I was serving as the interim at Kirby Woods Baptist. His positive attitude and kindness were attributes I remember most. 

Always one of the best umpires there was for softball, he genuinely enjoyed the game and always joking around calling strikes and saying “oh that was a ball, I owe you one” truly will be missed on the base paths and behind the plate, got called up to the show, now he umpires the best game there is! Miss you Todd. Thoughts and Prayers go out to his family and friends!

What are we gonna do without Todd here?  My brother in Christ stepped into heaven.  Oh, how Todd loved Jesus.  Loyal friend that would die on a hill with you.  Todd was in my wedding 31 years ago.  His humor, love, spirit would light a room, then you would hear him tell you about his savior.  We love you, Todd.  Prayers for Gloria and family. 

It was such a blessing to meet Todd early on when I relocated and began to work in the Ministry Recreation of Bellevue Baptist Church.  Such a Godly man with his love for sports and the impact it has on kids. A man with such a positive influence on and off the court as player, coach and official.  Not to mention his powerful impact on young adults in Sunday school teachings. Many times I needed a person to lend an ear and someone to trust and be honest, true w Godly input I could count on Todd.  Forever grateful.  We had lunch so many times to talk about life, ministry and family.  When I think of a True Man of God who goes an extra mile Todd is for sure at top of the list. We will continue to pray for his lovely wife whom he talked of often.  May He Rest In Peace!

He will be missed in the gym.  Always presented himself as a man of God and a friend in the gym. Rest well!

Wow, I was shocked and saddened upon finding the news about Todd. He and I went to CBHS together spending almost every summer or weekend day playing basketball, baseball or strat-o-matic. Taught me how to keep stats which I ended up doing for NCAA Basketball for years. Best memories were of biology class with Ms. King, whenever we had a test he would walk in and say "I have Ms. King cramps" I still use that to this day. Todd introduced me to numerous people before I left Memphis in 1983. Todd served as a groomsman in my wedding in 1980. I remember him in my parents house in the rocking chair I still have, rocking away asking my dad, Dean Collins (MSU) if I was old enough to get married. 
I saw Todd at Lance Russell's memorial service where we promised to meet up in Memphis soon....... I will regret that we never had that meeting. Godspeed and rest easy my friend.

While I did not know him personally, I was present for many basketball games he called. He was such a kind person who always helped the young players and taught and encouraged them🙏

I met Todd in a Communications class at Memphis State in 1980.  I was a typical freshman, skipping classes or showing up late.  We had to give a Persuasive speech in class.  My high school best friend’s father had recently died of lung cancer and my speech was on the “evils” of smoking.  I was nervous and started crying.  It caused many in the class to also begin to cry.  I got an A on the speech.
Todd was completely outraged that I did well with so little preparation.  He began calling me Tricky Vicki, and he called me that from then on.
He loved people and he loved Jesus.  I know the world will be a sadder place without Todd in it, but I know I will see him again.  You will be missed, my friend!

I first met Mr. Todd Eaton in the 8th grade as he became my Sunday School teacher and I knew right away he was a fiery and different type of teacher which I loved, our friendship grew through JESUS year after year and he would always ask do you love JESUS? or Hows your walk with JESUS? I will never forget him and his passion for JESUS! We would also talk sports. Praying for his also friendly/Christian wife during this time.   Love Achaz Foster or as he called me Chazzer Lol.

Mr. Eaton was one of the nicest men. I officially met him while coaching at Bellevue about 6 years ago. His warm and tender spirit immediately rubbed off on all those he came in contact with. His desire to serve the Lord through athletics is something I will always remember. May the Lord comfort his family during this time.

The community has lost a giant, such a great witness of Christ, who never met a stranger. I loved broadcasting West Memphis football games with him for many years, he was a dear friend of mine. RIP brother 🙏

We are sending our sincere sympathy in your loss.  We love you and are praying for you and all the family.    
Sincerely,
Harlie & Lillian

I met Todd quite by accident one day.  I was outside in my driveway preparing my car for a Tiger game.  Flags, magnets, and stickers were on when a guy came jogging down the street.  He stopped and said "guess you're a Tiger fan."  I said yes and he said, "then you probably know my Dad, Jack Eaton."  I said, of course, and related how I loved hearing him on the radio.  Such a pleasant young man who was proud of his Dad!  Thanks for stopping Todd.  Prayers for all.

The very best friend I ever had in my life. I am going to miss him so very much. But he's in the arms of his Savior and I am comforted by that.


Todd  Eaton  was my favorite brother from another mother! God bless and rest your soul! 
Love u Todd AKA Todd Anderson Eaton..🤗

OBITUARY

Todd Richard Eaton

May 23, 1960 – December 30, 2019

Memphis Funeral Home

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