SEADRIFT – Tommie Lee DeForest, 72 went to be with his Lord on August 9, 2014. Tommie was born on October 25, 1941 in Seadrift to the late Albert Alvin and Lola Mae Strown DeForest.
Tommie spent 20 years, 5 months and 1 day in the U.S. Navy, retiring with the rank of Chief Boatswains Mate. He enlisted into the Navy at the age of 17 years. Tommie had 5 assignments to Vietnam. 3 of which were aboard ships transporting troops and equipment and providing armed support from sea. Tom’s strong faith in God and love for his country made it easy for him to share his Navy experiences with his family.
Tom was an Assault Boat Coxwain. Some of the medals Tom was honored with during his Navy career include the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal and 5 Good Conduct Awards.
After several jobs following his Navy retirement, Tom retired back to Seadrift. He was a devoted member of the First Assembly of God Church where he taught a Bible class to young people. Tom was always available to help anyone in need. He loved his family and all people, and all who knew him will miss him greatly.
Tommie is survived by his children, Sonya Ellen Windbiel of Seadrift and Tommie Lee DeForest, Jr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two grandsons, Levi DeForest of Seadrift and Tommie Lee DeForest, III of Albuquerque, New Mexico; also surviving are two sisters Mary Ellen Poppert (Keith) of Harrison, Arkansas and Ina Louise DeForest of Goliad; two brothers, Alvin DeForest (Arlene) of Goliad and Richard DeForest (Paula) of Cuero and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Tommie was preceded in death by an infant son, David Alexander DeForest.
A Celebration of Tom’s life was held on August 12, 2014 at the First Assembly of God Church in Seadrift with Pastor Tim Smith officiating. Burial with full military honors under the auspices of the Calhoun County Combined Honor Guard was held at the Seadrift_Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Levi DeForest, Shannon DeForest. Lucas DeForest, Kaid Brand, Lloyd Earl ‘Bucky’ Chatham and Wesley Blevins. Honorary pallbearers were Emilee DeForest, Fischer Saxton and Tommie DeForest III.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Assembly of God Church of Seadrift or a charity of the donor’s choice.
