Thomas Lee Cloninger, 85, Sherwood, passed away February 16, 2021 at Hospice Comfort Center, Little Rock, AR. He was an active and faithful member of the Somers Avenue Church of Christ. What was most important to him was his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his love for his wife Barbara of 64 years, his love for his family, and his love for others. The mutual love and marriage between Tom and Barbara was an amazing example for all to witness. They were newlyweds… and never got over it!
Tom was proud to be an American citizen and served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from England High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State, and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. His career was in the food industry with Seabrook Foods and with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
He enjoyed reading all kinds of books and gardening (especially flowers). He had a gift for writing poetry and loved singing and playing folk music. He played the guitar, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer, and the upright bass. He was an enthusiastic member of the Rackensack Folklore Society where he enjoyed playing music with his friends, including his friends at the Sherwood Senior Citizens Center. He never met a “jam session” that he did not like!
He was an active lifelong student of the Bible, God’s Word, and he had a great love for people and wanted everyone to come to know Jesus Christ. He helped plant a church in Vineland, NJ and served as an elder for the church in Pitman, NJ and then again for the church in Clovis, CA.
After his retirement from the Dept of Agriculture, he accelerated his efforts to teach people the love of God and His Word by serving as a volunteer study helper and teacher with World Bible School spending many hours studying the Bible on-line with students across the U.S., as well as many foreign countries. He never mentioned it to anyone, but he personally studied with nearly 1000 students.
He is survived by his wife Barbara (Taylor) Cloninger of 64 years, Sons, Thomas Lee Cloninger, Jr. (Susan) Maumelle, and Timothy James Cloninger of Cabot. Grandchildren: Bevin (Arthur) Green, Megan (Hayden) Cruce, Taylor (Jared) Brown, Ryan (Cara) Cloninger, Madison (Clay) Hoffmann. Great grandchildren: Cade Green, Arthur Thomas Green, Emory Cloninger, Jace Cruce, Kian Green, Isaac Cloninger, Sadie Cruce, Eleanor Cloninger, and Eisley Hoffmann, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Siblings: Bobby Cloninger of England, Patsy Cloninger Hogan of Carlisle, Kenny Cloninger (Carla) of Lonoke, Sisters-in-love: Melna Eddleman (William), and Cindy Taylor.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Gordon and Gladys (Fowler) Cloninger, siblings: Mary Bell Cloninger, Dorothy Robinson, Aubrey Cloninger, Christine Dorrell, brother-in-love Lynn Taylor, and daughter-in-love Cynthia Cloninger.
Tom Cloninger’s life was one that was well lived. He treated everyone with respect, courtesy, and kindness. He tried to treat everyone like Jesus. “Well done good and faithful servant.”
Visitation/Memories Slide Show Services will be held 11:30am at the Levy Church of Christ, 5124 Camp Robinson Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72118, on February 27, 2021, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:30pm. The services will also be live streamed at https://youtu.be/Re8C7CjwvV0 . Burial will follow in Rest Hills Cemetery, North Little Rock, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: www.worldbibleschool.net for on-line giving at: https://wbs.salsalabs.org/general-giving/index.html .
Due to Covid 19, masks and social distancing will be required. Please sign the online guest register at www.griffinleggettresthills.com
