Thomas Ray Walker

Thomas Ray Walker, age 56, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at the home of his sister, Kim Roberts, in Cleveland, MS.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 25, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Funeral Home located on West Highway 8, in Cleveland, MS.  A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the North Cleveland Cemetery.  Sherwyn Nabors and Dr. Carlton Harvey will officiate the services.

Tom was born on May 11, 1961 in Guntersville, AL.  He attended school in Cleveland, MS, graduating from high school in 1979.  Tom enjoyed being outdoors and going hunting and fishing.  He also loved going to estate sales and garage sales, becoming quite an accomplished negotiator.  Excitement reflected in his eyes when he found and negotiated a particularly unique item.  Tom also was quite the handyman, sharing his skills particularly with the elderly or anyone who had absolutely no one to help with the simplest of tasks.

Tom had a kind, loving heart, and even recently was described by a friend as one of the sweetest men ever.  He loved his family very much, taking care of his parents with his cooking skills because he wanted them to have healthy meals.  He took care of his sister, Sandy, during a recent illness.  He could be found painting the house, replacing a ceiling that leaked, and other tasks too numerous to be enumerated.

To say he will be missed is an understatement, not only by his loved and loving family, but by the many, many friends in his life.  His passing leaves a huge hole in many hearts.  Tom would want his family and friends to know that he had made his peace with God.  He knew where he was going and he was ready to go home.  He said, “I’m a simple man, with a simple plan.”

The family would like to thank all who have been so supportive during this time—words are inadequate.  Our deepest gratitude and appreciation also goes to Dr. Kirk Haney for his support and friendship to Tom.

Tom is survived by his loving parents, Keith and Jeanne Walker of Cleveland, MS; his loving and caring sister, Kim Roberts of Birmingham, AL, as well as her son Johnny and wife Bethany Cassibry and their children, John Carley and Cora Rice (Tom enjoyed being a part of these children’s lives) and Kim’s daughter, Jeanne Cassibry Burns and her husband Trent.  He is also survived by his siblings—Sherry Simmons of Panama City Beach, FL, Sandra Johnson of Cleveland, MS, Rose Smith of Waynesboro, MS, Bobby Norwood of near Miami, FL, Patsy Saint of Hebron, AL, Kenneth Johnson of Brunswick, GA, Jean Johnson of Brunswick, GA, and a host of nieces and nephews.  Tom is also survived by his beloved and loyal dog, Boo, who insisted on a daily truck ride with Tom.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Cassibry, Ankie Cummins, Tim Hale, Kirk Haney, James Kendall, Clark Manning.  Honorary pallbearer will be Tim Smith.

Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online guest register may be viewed and signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net.