Tommie Joe Skelton

Tommie Joe Skelton, 90 years of age, passed away on August 4th, 2021, at the Villages of Dallas. He was born on December 7th, 1930 in Plano, TX to Lizzie Mae Smiley and Orwell Skelton. Tommie grew up on a farm with his wonderful grandparents, Walter and Cora Smiley, where they raised him and his brother Bob. Spending his childhood on a farm taught him the meaning of hard work, tenacity, and humor. His first job was working on Nutter Goat Farm in Irving, Texas, that his grandfather Walter managed. His strong character was able to shine while he served our country. He was drafted into The United States military and served proudly for two years. Tommie’s work ethic was able to take him far in his extensive career at First National Bank, where he earned many titles throughout his time with them. He later moved his career to Bank of Desoto, where he became Vice President of the bank. When he was 70 years of age, he had a career change and took much enjoyment delivering vehicles cross county for the DEA -the Drug Enforcement Agency, until his retirement. After retiring, Tommie enjoyed taking cruises with his wife Fay Skelton, who spent 53 loving years of marriage with him. He also enjoyed tending to his pristine lawn, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his family. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and a man of God. Above all, Tommie loved his family. He is survived by his brother Bob Skelton, wife Fay Skelton, first wife Patti Skelton, daughter Rene Louis and son-in-law Francois Louis, son Preston Cox, grandchildren Isabella Louis, Madeleine Louis, and Billie Cox, niece Deanna Skelton, and great nieces Amber Wood and Lauren Price. He was preceded in death by his son Roland Skelton (infant), eldest daughter Teresa Beard, sister-in-law Judy Skelton, niece Julie Knapik and nephew-in-law Michael Knapik. Tommie’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the Villages of Dallas, where he was shown wonderful care and compassion during his fight with dementia. The family will receive friends in the Chapel of West Hurtt Funeral Home on Thursday, August 12th from 10:00 - 11:30 A.M. prior to the Funeral Service. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 12th at 11:30 A.M. in the Chapel of West Hurtt Funeral Home in Desoto, TX. 217 S Hampton Rd, Desoto TX 75115. Interment, with Military Honors, will be held the same day, Thursday, August 12th at 2:15 P.M. at the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery. 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas TX 75211.