Thomas Randolph Early

Thomas R. Early (88) of The Woodlands, passed away Friday April 23, 2021. Tom was the youngest of 4 sons and 1 daughter of Jacob E. and Myrtle E. Early. He was born April 23, 1933 in Borger Texas during the Great Depression. He grew up in Stinnett, Texas where he graduated as Salutatorian of Stinnett High School and participated in every sport while also working part time as a ranch hand, roustabout in the oil fields, construction worker and as a farm hand.

Tom attended the University of Texas where he graduated with a BA degree in Economics and Government. In his second year at UT he married his High School Sweetheart Jeanine Ellen Ross who was the love of his life on November 21, 1952 and were married 64 years until her passing in February of 2016. Tom was a Corporal while on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1955 and was discharged in 1961. He also attended the University of Houston and received a Master of Arts Degree in Economics and Finance. He gave credit to the Marine Corps through its stress on discipline and Spirit de Corps in guiding him through school, his business career and life.

Tom was on the Board of Trustees of Spring Independent School District, Founding Chairman of Education for Tomorrow Alliance and was Chairman and CEO of Surgimedics which was the first business to locate in the Research Forest of The Woodlands. He spearheaded the building of the Texas Marine Medal of Honor Monument in Town Green Park. Tom was a member of Kevin Brady’s Service Academy Nominations Board for many years.

His greatest achievements have been in the lives of his family. Tom leaves his family with the knowledge that they were truly loved. Tom and Jeanine were members of The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

Tom was predeceased by his wife Jeanine, parents Jacob and Myrtle Early, his in-laws Buzz and Mildred Ross, his brothers Ferrill, Cleland and Norvill, his sister Ethellea Jane Robison and a son Steven A. Early. He is survived by his son Jeff Early and wife Brenda, daughter Jennifer Early Kiser and husband Gene, and his grandchildren Lauren Early(Austin), Alyssa Early(Kevin), Jacob Kiser(Amanda), Joshua Kiser and Kathryn Early all of The Woodlands. Also survived by special friends Tiffany and Tim Carroll who have become a part of our extended family.

The family would like the thank Tom’s caregivers Nancy Williams and the staff of Reunion Court of The Woodlands along with Hospice nurses Amy and Tammy at Memorial Herman Hospice.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Forest Park, The Woodlands Funeral Home 18000 I-45 S. The Woodlands, TX 77384. Following a private graveside burial there will be a Memorial Service celebrating his life that will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 2:00PM at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Texas Marine Medal of Honor Fund @ http://www.texasmarinemedalofhonor.com/ or The Woodlands Rotary Club Foundation @ https://www.betterunite.com/thewoodlandsrotaryclubfoundation-alwayson.