Tommy Joe Holley's Obituary
On February 6th, our beloved Tommy Joe Holley “Papa” went on to be with the Lord after battling a respiratory illness. Services will be in The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas, with visitation beginning at 9:00 am on Wednesday, March 3rd. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am. Space is limited, so please reach out to the family if you would like to attend. Tommy will be buried at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas at 1:00 pm on March 3rd.
Tommy leaves behind his wife of nearly 47 years, Robbie, his two children Mark, Sharla (Eric); and three step-sons Shon (Maria), Dane (Michelle), and Ross (Leigh Ann). Tommy and Robbie have 10 grandchildren: Mark’s Madison (Hunter), Preston & Sarah; Sharla’s Jessica, Lauren & Joe; Shon’s Christopher & Ryan; and Ross’s Natalie & Peyton. In 2020 Tommy became a great-grandfather to Holden, courtesy of Madison and Hunter Ingram. Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Jefferson Holley in 1972, and his mother Lorraine Beard Holley in 2004.
After graduating from High School in Dallas in 1955 Tommy spent four years in the Navy stationed in San Diego at the end of the Korean War, where he became an electrician. Upon discharge Tommy became an electrician for home builders and commercial contractors. Tommy worked as an electrician for 50+ years before easing into retirement. Tommy married Kathy Sanders in 1959 and they had Mark and Sharla, before separating in 1968.
Tommy married Robbie Robinson Hatchett in 1974, and in doing so he signed up to raise three more boys in addition to Mark and Sharla. His first date with Robbie started off by helping Dane fix a flat tire on his motorcycle. That was just the beginning of many things he stepped in to do for us at the drop of a hat. We could write a book to cover the things he helped us with when we were growing up. We will all be eternally grateful for everything he did for us. All of the boys worked as electricians or helpers wherever Tommy worked while we were in high school and college. Tommy, Robbie and Shon started H&H Enterprises as contractors for electrical and computer cabling back in the early 80’s.
Tommy was an avid fisherman, hunter (including rattlesnakes), and a top notch DIY’er. Tommy always had a DIY project underway. For nearly 30 years Tommy and Robbie had a house and 5 acres in Seagoville, Texas on which Tommy built a pond (with an island and bridge), a car/boathouse & workshop, and they fully remodeled the house. Tommy passed along those DIY skills and the desire to do them to the kids. His solutions to basic engineering problems were often ingenious. Tommy put a light switch inside Ross’ car in college to turn on the radiator fan when the thermostat went out.
Being a Navy man, Tommy loved the water. Spending weekends on Lake Texoma on the houseboat, or saltwater fishing trips to Port Aransas are some of our family’s fondest memories. We had a great time fishing, skiing, and just chillin’ out on the beach. Tommy’s greasy eggs and bacon breakfasts on the lake will never be topped. Tommy was also a master on the grill. He could cook anything on the grill, but in particular he perfected smoked brisket, ribs and, cheeseburgers. He built several custom smokers over the years, including a monster cast iron version about five feet wide that weighed several hundred pounds.
When people describe Tommy it’s almost always, “he’s the nicest guy”, or “he’s just a salt of the earth kind of guy”; and for good reason. Tommy and Robbie were active members of the Dallas Elks Lodge 71 on Northwest Highway for nearly 25 years. They both held leadership positions, volunteered for Lodge events, and organized several excursion trips with their Elks Lodge friends.
Our best memories growing up wouldn’t have been possible without Tommy Joe. You don’t realize how much you’re going to miss someone until they’re suddenly gone. Hug your parents and grandparents and let them know you love them. Tommy may be gone, but his legacy and the sweet memories he left with us will never be forgotten.
What’s your fondest memory of Tommy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tommy?
Share a story where Tommy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tommy you’ll never forget.
How did Tommy make you smile?
