He started work in the fall of 1953 teaching chemistry at Myric High School in Jones County. In July 1954 he started working with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service as assistant county agent and later associate county agent in Poplarville, MS. They lived in Poplarville for eleven years where they were active members of the Poplarville Methodist Church. While in Poplarville Tom worked with the boy’s 4-H program then became associate county agent working with farmers. He worked with county and city organizations serving as a Boy Scout leader, President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Poplarville Rotary Club, volunteer fireman, Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, Master of the Masonic Lodge, and he was a Shriner.
In June 1965 the family moved to Starkville, MS where Tom began working with the Mississippi Cooperative Extension’s Community Rural Development department at Mississippi State University. He retired as state leader for the Department of Community Development in 1986. After retirement he was a private consultant for ten years, served as secretary of the state Agriculture Economics Association, state vice-president then later state president of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He served as director of District 5 of the Mississippi Retired Public Employees and is a life member of the board. He and Judy were longtime members of the Starkville First United Methodist Church.
Tom loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He shared that love with his son, Richard, by special ordering Richard’s first gun when he was seven years old. Tom later gave both grandsons their first hunting rifles and taught them how to use them safely and expertly.
In 1980, Tom and Judy started traveling visiting every state in the continental U.S. plus a five week trip to Alaska, all provinces of Canada including the Yukon Territory, and several trips to Mexico. They later traveled with their son and daughter-in-law to England, Scotland, Ireland, and six countries in Europe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Katherine, brothers Earl and Eddie, and grandson Abraham Boggs.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Judy, son Richard (Durenda) of North Augusta, SC, daughter Kay (Jan) of Meridian, MS. He was Papa Tom to his grandchildren Stephanie Loftin Hudlow of North Augusta, SC, and Bradley Loftin of Knoxville, TN, and was PT to his great-grandchildren Andrew, Lillianna and Trent.
Graveside services will be held Sunday March 14, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Memorial Garden Park with visitation an hour before the service. Please follow Covid-19 recommendations by wearing a mask.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MSU Wesley Foundation, 1172 Lee Blvd., Starkville, MS 39759, P.O. Box MY at Mississippi State University, 39762.
