Tommie Henry DeHay of Brownwood, Texas passed away Monday, May 16, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Park. Visitation is scheduled for 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Tuesday May 17, 2011, at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
Tommie was born December 20, 1920 in Brownwood to James Harvey DeHay Sr and Willie Fuller DeHay. Services will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 18th at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.
He graduated from Brownwood High School in 1939. He attended Brownwood Commercial Colleges, Texas Tech and Howard Payne College.
Tommie was a World War II Veteran served in the 672nd Field Artillery Battalion in the Communication Section in the European theater. He was honorably discharged in June, 1946 as Staff Sgt in San Antonio, Texas.
He married Anita Griggs of Zephyr, Texas April 6, 1944 in Brownwood.
He was employed by Southwestern States Telephone Co. November, 1940 in Brownwood. The company merged with General Telephone Co. in l964. Tommie worked in Central Office and Engineering Departments. He retired in 1983 after 42 years as Western Area Engineering and Construction Manager. In his employment he participated in the beginning of the digital age working with the first computer systems overseeing the installation of the first communications network. Few employees lived to see the advancement in communications that Tommie saw during his 42 year tenure.
Tommie is Life Member of National Telephone Pioneer Assn. Member of the Brown County Fair Association. He was always active in his two sons’ lives and their activities of scouts and sports. He was also active in cancer and heart drives.
He was a member of Coggin Ave. Baptist Church for 77 years accepting his Lord as his Savior at age 13. He was an active member of Fisher of Men Sunday School Class and has served in many capacities during years at his church.
Tommie & his wife Nita moved to their farm north of Zephyr in 1973. They loved their country home. They raised Brangus cattle and enjoyed his retirement and traveling.
He loved his Lord, his country and his family. His family was very dear to him, especially his four grandchildren. He taught each grandchild how to drive out on the farm. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with them also. 0.3
He is survived by his wife Anita of 67 years. Two sons Dr. Griggs DeHay and wife Gay of Waxahachie, Steve DeHay and wife Peggy of Lubbock. Four grandchildren Derek DeHay and wife Sarah of Austin, Natalie DeHay of Dallas, Amber DeHay Graham and her husband Cory of Lubbock, Tyler DeHay and wife Kerrie of Lubbock. Two great-granddaughters Charlotte and Lucy DeHay of Austin. One sister Dale Utzman of Llano. Sister-in-laws Betty Griggs Keeler of Zephyr, Aillene Griggs of Amarillo. Five nephews Jerry DeHay and wife Marilyn of Brownwood, Dan DeHay and wife Beverly of Brownwood, Jeff DeHay and wife Sherry of Waco, Nick Griggs of Amarillo. Roy Utzman of Llano. A special niece Rhonda Keeler Holt and husband Tommy of Big Lake.
Preceded in death by his parents, bothers Marvin DeHay and wife Bill, James DeHay and wife Doris, sister, Fannie DeHay Jones and husband Seaborn. Brother-in-laws SD Keeler, Bill Griggs and Payton Utzman.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Coggin Avenue Baptist Building Fund or your favorite charity.
