Tommy Louis Oquin Jr's Obituary
I was born, Tommy Louis Oquin, on July 23, 1942, in Crisp, Texas to the parents of Tommy L. Oquin, Sr., and Paralee Smith Oquin, who both preceded me in death.
I accepted Christ and was Baptized at an early age. I was ordained as a Deacon at the age of 22 at the Macedonia Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. Over the course of 58 years, I faithfully served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and taught Christian Education at the following churches: Peoples Missionary Baptist Church, Cornerstone Baptist Church of Christ, Munger Avenue Baptist Church and the Sanctuary Church Fellowship. I later joined the Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church shortly before my health failed.
I attended school at C.F. Carr Elementary School and graduated at the top of my class from Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, Texas in 1960. I taught myself calligraphy when I was bored and was known for my fancy handwriting. Shortly before graduation, I met and fell in love with Charli Lois Gordon. We dated for 6 years. After I matriculated through Bishop College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in May,1965, Lois and I were married on June 11, 1965. Together we had 2 children, Gregory Christopher and Michaelle Dawnne. I later attended North Texas State University (now, University of North Texas), where I received my Master of Education degree. I immediately began teaching Physical Education at N.W. Harllee Elementary School. I later transferred to Umphrey Lee Elementary School, where I taught Physical Education and Health Science. I was named one of the first educators to teach in the Talented and Gifted Program for DISD. I later taught at Birdie Alexander Elementary School, Ronald McNair Elementary School, and Daniel Webster Elementary School. After 38 years of service to the Dallas Community, I retired and convinced my sweetheart, Lois, to retire from DISD in 2002.
I enjoyed life, love, and laughter. Those who were near me would always leave laughing. I also loved to prepare income tax returns for friends and family. As the word got out, my client base grew and grew. So, in 1981, I opened Universal Tax Consultants and continued to prepare taxes until April, 2022. I was always an advocate for lifelong learning. After pursuing post-graduate studies in Education, I convinced my family to be the same. To this end, I was proud to produce four doctors in my family, Dr. Lois, Dr. Greg, Dr. Michaelle and Dr. Shanice.
Though I would love to have stayed around a lot longer, God and I made an agreement for me to leave this earth quietly on August 3. I asked Him to take care of those I am leaving behind who include: my Sweetheart of 57 years, Lois; my son, Greg; my daughter, Michaelle; my Sister-in-Love, Sallie (Herman); my brother-in-love, Joe Louis; 4 grandchildren, Erin (Marcus) Ferguson, Shanice (Stan) Glasco, Neiman Oquin, and Jared Parks. I also leave 8 great-grandchildren Kingston, Kyran, Mister Kelly, Masiah, Marcus, Mercy, Moriah, and Stanley; a niece Degie Marie; 3 nephews Darin (Yolanda), Jabari (Angela) and Jelani; adopted children to include (Rita Hamilton, Cathy Adams, Donna Ware, and Andra Sherrard; and a host of other relatives and friends).
To those whom I loved, I am thankful for the time we spent together, and I pray that my legacy lives on through you.
Mt. Hebron Missionary Church has requested that all attending the Funeral Services wear Masks.
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