OBITUARY
Thomas J. Mallette
December 6, 1928 – December 18, 2013
Thomas John "Tommy" Mallette was called home by his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 after a brief illness. He had recently celebrated his 85th birthday being visited by his extended family and friends, who love him and will miss him dearly, even while they celebrate his glorious life of reverence for the Lord and selfless devotion to his family. Tom was born in Yazoo City on December 6, 1928, to Lawrence Edward and Katie Farrell Mallette. He grew up in Greenwood, hunting and playing along the banks of the Yazoo and Tallahatchie Rivers with his three beloved older brothers, Lawrence, Charlie and Billy. He kept the home fires burning while he watched his brothers all march off to serve their country in World War II, and celebrated their triumphant return. He served in the U.S. Navy himself just after the war and graduation from Greenwood High School, where he played clarinet in the band and was active in theatre. He remained an avid student and historian of WWII all his life, sharing and inspiring his family with his vast knowledge. He graduated from the University of Mississippi and Ole Miss Law School, where he and his partner won the prestigious Moot Court competition. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and he met the love of his life, wife of over 61 years and mother of his four children, Cathy Johnston of Greenville, while running through the Grove. He began his lifelong career as a respected oil and gas attorney with the Lyle Cashion Co. before establishing his own practice, and was known and loved in nearly every county seat in Mississippi. In the state where Do Ya Know is practiced religiously, Tom Mallette was an acknowledged master. He was active in various civic organizations and community projects in and around Jackson over the years, and was one of the founding members, with the Fraziers, Guytons and others, of the Hanging Moss Swim Club in the early 1960's. He and his wife Cathy travelled to Europe, to Hawaii and Micronesia, and points in between. And contrary to popular opinion, he actually was a fashion trend-setter, and he actually did know all there was to know about the inner workings of the internal combustion engine. His leadership and invaluable advice in these and other areas will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, and his four children, all of whom live in the Jackson area. They are Dr. Robert Mallette, his wife Mary, and their sons Drew and Dan; Jack Mallette, his children T.J., Elise and Mary Kate; Gale Purser and her daughter Amelia; and Jim Mallette, his wife Debbie, and his children Katie and Brad. Funeral arrangements are being made by Wright and Ferguson, with visitation at St. Richard's Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m., Monday, December 23rd. A celebratory Mass of Christian burial will follow at 2 p.m., with internment at Lakewood Memorial Park following the service. The family would like to express its deepest appreciation to Dr. Mike Beall for his many years of selfless service in the care of Tom Mallette and his entire extended family. We would also like to thank Padre Juan Chavajay for his spiritual care, and for giving Tom his Last Rites and final Holy Communion. There are many ways to measure the life of a man. In the ways that count the most, devotion to God, his family and friends, Tom Mallette was an unparalleled success. Above all, he was a Good Man. And while we grieve, it is for ourselves that we grieve. Tom is with his parents and brothers. He is with Artie Shaw, and Benny Goodman, and Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd, blowing eights to the bar, swinging and jitterbugging till the band stops playing. And if he has any say in the matter, it never will!!!
Services
- Funeral Service Monday, December 23, 2013
- Visitation Monday, December 23, 2013
REMEMBERING
Thomas J. Mallette
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYreceive updates when new memories are posted
RECEIVE UPDATESJim Mallette
January 16, 2014
I wan to thank all of you who took the time to prepare a message in memory of my father. Although he will be greatly missed, I find comfort in knowing that he provided me and the rest of the Mallette family with the correct guidance, love, humbleness and forgiveness. He redefined the term "unconditional love."
Rick Walley
January 4, 2014
Dear Mallette familay, our thoughts are with you in these times of change. Your mother and father were very kind to me as a scruffy teenager and I've always thought of them fondly. We wish you peace as you hear the echos of their laughter. Kind regards, Rick Walley.
Jack Mallette
January 3, 2014
Many thanks to those of you who loved my parents as I did. The challenge of living without my father was apparently more than my mother could bear. She left us to be with Dad yesterday, January 2nd, after a week at Baptist Hospital in Jackson. The entire family joins me in thanking all our many friends for their love and support during this very difficult time. We would also like to again thank Padre Juan for his unselfish spiritual care of Mom and Dad during their final days. He came at once both times we asked him to administer the Last Rites and final Holy Communion for both Mom and Dad, and for that we will remain eternally grateful. Thank you all.
Cindy Austin
January 2, 2014
We loved Mr. Tom and will miss him dearly. He was a kind and wonderful man and we always looked forward to seeing him. Cindy Austin, Smith County Chancery Clerk and staff
Pamela Smithson
December 31, 2013
Jimmy & Jack I am so sorry for your loss.I got to know him as a regular patron at the Madison Library. I will truly miss him!
George Hamilton
December 25, 2013
Gale and family, very sorry to hear of your loss. I was never blessed to know your dad, but I remember you and your family well from St. Joe days and you guys were such a wonderful reflection of he and your mom. God bless.
Whit Johnson
December 25, 2013
Kathy, I was so sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral. Tommy was the brother I never had, and memories flooded back when I learned of his death. They go all the way back to when we met at the band clinic here in clarksdale at age twelve.who would have known such a friendship would have grown from such small beginnings. I know how much I feel this loss because i tear up everytime i think about him, so i can not begin to imagine yours.
He was a good man and a great friend. I will miss him.
Whit
Kay Adkins
December 24, 2013
Dr. Mallette, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vince Barranco
December 23, 2013
I have nothing but find memories of this wonderful man! I'm sorry I could not be there to celebrate his life with you in person, but my heart and prayers are with you today and especially through this sensitive time of year. Much love to my dear friends, the Mallettes. I rejoice that today he is with The Master!
Tom Robertson
December 23, 2013
Bob, Jack, Jimmy, and Gail, I can't be there in person today, but I am thinking of you. Your Dad was a huge positive influence in my life. I know you miss him.
December 23, 2013
I have read a lot of obituaries. This is one of the best ever. I didnt know him but I feel like I do. RIP sir.
Stephanie Kajdan
December 23, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's death. I will remember him as such a nice man, always smiling. Your family will be in my prayers and my thoughts today as you lay your Dad to rest. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories you have of him.
December 22, 2013
May the God of comfort be with you at this difficult time.
Carol Sudduth
December 22, 2013
He was my employer back in the 70's and he was a kind, considerate and thoughtful Boss! I remember him with love and pray for his family.
Kajdan Family
December 22, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
John Harkins
December 21, 2013
Back in the 1950s when I was growing up in Jackson, Tom Mallette was the second Scoutmaster at St. Richard's. He followed John Fennell and preceded Jim Korndorffer. All three were towering figures for me as a young boy. I love the way God moves us around and reconnects us. Yesterday I was speaking with my cousin who lives in Jackson. She said she didn't know why she thought of mentioning it, but she told me there would be a big funeral on Monday at St. Richard's for a Mr. Mallette. Of course, I had an immediate flashback to those days. I remember him working with us with his two sons in tow who must have been pre-school at the time. Praise God for a wonderful man and for reconnecting me with him at the time of his passing. My condolences to the family.
Joe Reiff
December 21, 2013
Jack, it has been decades since we've seen each other, but I remember you well from Bailey days. Grace and peace to your family in this time of loss and celebration of a life well lived.
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home-Parkway Memorial Cemetery
December 21, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
George Luter
December 21, 2013
Years ago when I was a young lawyer, Tom's office was not far from mine on President Street. He was a great guy and very helpful. Please accept my condolences.
December 20, 2013
How very sorry I was to hear of your Daddy's passing. I remember him with a smile on his face and that twinkle in his beautiful blue, blue eyes. He and your mom were at every family wedding and they were both so dear to come to Daddy's visitation. That would be the last time I saw him.
Our families go way back and we have such great memories. For those who have gone before him I know they welcome him with open arms. My God bless your family. With lots of love, Chrissy (Coffey) Gentry
December 20, 2013
Tommy was a dear friend in high school and later in life. His visits to our home meant much to us. My mother loved him. Just wish we could have given him a goodbye hug.
Bess Small Newman
December 20, 2013
I knew Tommy in Greenwood schools. He was a fine man. My condolences to his
family.
Mary Louise Galey Brownind
Roseanne Mitchell
December 20, 2013
My 1st memories of Tommy start with his wedding to my cousin Cathy! I was in that wedding as a little flower girl. I remember that they seemed to be a "golden couple". Tommy was one of the best men I've ever known. Much love to Cathy and all of his family. He will be missed.
Karen Evers
December 20, 2013
May light perpetual shine upon him. I will hold your family in my prayers. Godspeed, Karen
William Barrentine
December 20, 2013
Tommy was a Classmate and a long time friend.
He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
May he rest in peace
Claude Creswell
December 20, 2013
Tommy Mallette was one of my very best friends and I, with all others, will miss him greatly. We grew up together from age 5 and stayed friends for all these years. Heaven will be better place with his presence!
Melanie Walker Dowell
December 20, 2013
Dear Mallette family,
What a dear and special man was your sweet Dad!! Mr. Mallette has always been very special to my parents and me. Though it was rare, I was always thrilled to see him and receive one of his big blue eyed bear hugs. Kind, humble, witty, and wise he will be missed but what a blessing to have known him. I suspect Jimmie Walker was in the crowd awaiting Tom's arrival in heaven to wisk him away to enjoy the big bands "blowin' eights", have a toddy and talk about their true love: their families.
December 20, 2013
May you find comfort from the God of All Comfort during this time.
Jack Mallette
December 20, 2013
The last words I said to my father were "I love you Dad. You're the best." Without opening his eyes, he said "I love you too. You've been a good son." He received his Last Rites and his Final Communion from Padre Juan, and he left us the next day. Rest in Peace, my father. I'll see you again one day.
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF