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1939
2013
By MARY PEREZ - [email protected]
BILOXI -- Tom Wall, who has served on the Biloxi Council since 1993, died a day before his 74th birthday.
Wall was completing his fifth term and had announced he wouldn't seek re-election as Ward 5 Councilman. He was the longest serving councilman since Biloxi switched to the mayor-council form of government in 1981, according to Biloxi spokesman Vincent Creel.
Mayor A.J. Holloway will recommended a candidate to serve the time left on his term, which expires in less than 6 months. The Biloxi Council must confirm the candidate, under state statute.
Holloway said, he always appreciated that Tom was a straight shooter. "He let you know where he stood on things," Holloway said. "He was his own man and would not cave in to anyone. He looked at an issue, analyzed it, and he voted the way he thought was best. He was a good councilman, and I will miss him. He always had a good sense of humor, too, which was important."
The Harrison County Board of Supervisors observed a moment of silence during Monday's meeting when they heard about Wall's
death. Supervisor Windy Swetman made the announcement.
"Tom has been a rock of leadership for the people of Biloxi for many years," Swetman said. "I've considered him a good friend for years."
He and his wife, Biloxi realtor Arlene Wall, were married for more than 50 years and frequently traveled. The couple has two sons, Bob and Jeff, four grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
Wall battled three bouts of cancer and rarely missed a Council meeting, even while undergoing chemotherapy.
He was the owner of Classy Chassis in Biloxi, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.
Fellow councilman Clark Griffith said he was shocked to hear this morning that Wall had died.
"Tom Wall was a character in a lot of ways," Griffith said.
There wasn't any question where Wall stood on an issue, said Griffith, but said he always was a gentleman.
Griffith said when the Council voted to require furloughs for city employees, the furlough didn't apply to Council members. Wall reimbursed the city for six days of furlough, saying "I wouldn't vote for something I wouldn't do myself."
Councilman George Lawrence said he's served on Council for 12 years with Wall, and sometimes they worked together and sometimes on the opposite side of an issue.
Wall was great for comic relief, Lawrence said. Right in the middle of a heated discussion he'd throw out a comment, and Lawrence said, "He said it at just the right time."
In 2008, Wall said the Council should tell Gov. Haley Barbour to "get off his butt" and get relief money to Biloxians still without homes three years after Hurricane Katrina.
Wall served on many charitable boards in Biloxi in addition to sitting on Council. He was a member of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Rotary Club and Joppa Shrine Temple and served on the boards of Biloxi Bay Chamber, Boys & Girls Club of the Gulf Coast and Salvation Army.
He was retired from the U.S. Air Force as a senior master sergeant.
"He's just one of those good guys," Lawrence said.
Councilman Edward Gemmill said Wall beat cancer so many times, nobody expected his passing today.
In spite of his cancer, he led a very successful life, said Gemmill. "I know I'm sure proud of him.Gemmill said he was pleased to be part of the 50th wedding celebration with Tom and Arlene.
"He lived life to the fullest," he said.
Lucy Brashier, clerk of Biloxi council, said the staff at City Hall was mourning his passing Monday morning and realized, "He wouldn't want us to be moping around."
She said those who knew Wall were blessed after he beat cancer three times.
"He was one of a kind," she said. "We're going to miss him."
61 Entries
Arlene, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lynn Tomlinson, Moultrie, GA
February 4, 2013
Thinking of you Kimberly Boudreaux
January 28, 2013
My prayers to the family but I didn't know him personally but saw him on WLOX because of his work.
Iva Childers
January 25, 2013
Arlene,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mine and Lee's prayers go out to you and your family. Tom was a special person who
really loved Biloxi and tried to help
everyone. I'll always remember him giving me away to Al on our wedding day. So many great memories.
Linda Glidden
January 24, 2013
Arlene - We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Appliance Repair Center
Kenny & Debi Dunlap
January 23, 2013
Arlene,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Pat Milligan
January 18, 2013
Arlene, Bob and Jeff, Robyn Jackson informed Martha of Tom's passing. He will truly be missed, everywhere. Will try to see you when next in Bilo9xi in early Feb. Larry Sockwell
Larry Sockwell
January 17, 2013
Dear Arlene and family, I am so sorry for you loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Vicki Litz
January 15, 2013
Arline,Bob and Jeff, I just heard about Tom. My condolence to all the family. Tom will always be in my heart, he was one of the best bosses I ever had.Good old Round Table, and of course Jeophary. Smartest man playing that, don't think anyone could beat him in that game. He was loved and liked by so many. He will greatly be missed. God needed another angle to help him. God Bless y'all.
Vicki Elkins
January 13, 2013
Tom and his sense of humor will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy goes out to Tom's family and friends.
Michelle Borders
January 12, 2013
RIP Tom Wall, Your Legacy is your Service to the Community and Country!!! God be with the Family.
Kelly and Barbara Brody
January 12, 2013
Dear Arlene and family,
Marilyn just emailed me the sad news about Tom's passing. My heart goes out to you. It is never easy to lose a loved one. I have happy memories of your time at Vance and the visits afterward; we always enjoyed being with you both. I will think of you often.
Audrey Arno
January 11, 2013
Arlene and family,
Tom will missed for he was a kind and devoted member of our community. He was a hard worker,and will be with the Lord working with Him. He was a friend
May the Lord comfort and be with you always.
Photine Vlahos Hagicostas
January 11, 2013
Dear Arlene and Family,
God has called home another Angel!
Larry Semski
January 11, 2013
So sorry to hear of Tom's death, Arlene. I never think of the good times we had at the Vance NCO club without remembering he was a big part of it.
Marilyn Simmons Kincannon
January 11, 2013
Dear Arlene and Family,
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of our friend ... our prayers are with you all at this time for God to continue to bless and comfort you. May you always treasure the memories of your loved one in your hearts.
Tom and Tammy Mims and Friends at the Gulf Coast Rescue Mission
Tom Mims
January 11, 2013
With deepest sympathy. Tom will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with the family.
Ray and Cynthia Wilkinson
January 10, 2013
May Gods blessings be with you during this time of sorrow.
Sonia Litke-Hill
January 10, 2013
Arlene and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Mike, Alicia, Brett and Louise Urbanitch
January 10, 2013
Tom was a wonderful person. I am happy to have known him. Arlene, my sincere sympathies to you and your family. I know you will miss him greatly.
Kimberly & Michael Fritz
January 10, 2013
Dear Arlene and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family at this difficult time.
Eric and Laurie Schumacher
January 10, 2013
I am sorry to hear Uncle Tom has passed. I have made a habit to check on him on the internet and was saddened to hear of his death. I have always kept Uncle Tom and Aunt Arlene in my thoughts and prayers since I have lived in Oklahoma. He was a good man, a good family man. I have very fond memories of him at his car wash. Love You Uncle Tom! I know your up in heaven with Daddy and Momma King! I always looked up to you! Love, Terri King
Terri King
January 9, 2013
Everyone will miss Tom Wall. He was indeed a unique individual. I enjoyed knowing him and always knew he was a
person to go to for any project or problem. God bless you, Arlene and family. Caroline H. Dunaway
January 9, 2013
Arlene, I just received a call from a friend in Biloxi and told me of Tom's passing. I am totally devastated of the sadden news. My heart is breaking for you. Cortney and I loved him so much and you are in our prayers. Have so many fond memories of all the years we shared with ya'll. Love you Arlene. May God Bless you and your sons. A smile a day will make you strong and help endure your loss.
Vicki Moran
January 9, 2013
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. He was a great guy. He will be missed by many.
Dennis & Mimi Moody
January 9, 2013
Arlene,
We are very saddened by your loss of Tom. It is hoped that you will find solace in the fact you were able to spend many years with a really nice, considerate man.
Martin & Jane Reeves
January 9, 2013
Dear Arlene and Family,
Many prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. May God's peace comfort your hearts.
Rhonda Hughes
January 9, 2013
Arlene, what a guy, what a loss. I have always admired the steadfastness, obvious love and respect Tom and you have exhibited as a couple and displayed for everyone. We have lost a friend; you have lost that and so much more. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve this incredible loss. Fondly, Ann
Ann Bowden- Hollis
January 8, 2013
Our deepest sympathy.
John McAdams family & staff
January 8, 2013
We are so very sorry for the loss of Tom wall. The family is in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with all of you.
Ricky & Trudy Stegall
January 8, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Susan Kesterson
January 8, 2013
One of Biloxi's finest...
With Heartfelt Sympathy, My thoughts and prayers are with the Wall family.
Ellen Turner
January 8, 2013
Ken Combs, Jr.
January 8, 2013
Tom was a man among men! Always a smile and a nice greeting. It was such a pleasure to watch how much he loved and cared for his family. My thoughts are with you, Arlene and family!
Liz Kessie
January 8, 2013
Tom was a great man and will be missed. I am glad I got to know him. I will keep Tom and his family in my prayers.
Carl Fallo
January 8, 2013
Our prayers are with you, Arlene.
Len and Wilma Fishman
January 8, 2013
Tom was the most down to earth person I knew, he was a true friend and will be missed and remembered forever. Such sorrow, our love and prayers are with you all.
Rick & Linda McCarthy
January 8, 2013
Thank you for service to Biloxi.
William J. Pickett
January 8, 2013
May God keep you, Mrs. Wall, and your family through this difficult time. My prayers are with you all.
Shayne Baca
January 8, 2013
Dear Arlene and Family,
Our prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. May God's peace comfort your hearts. Tom will be greatly missed.
Jerry and Cathy Creel
January 8, 2013
We will always miss your smile. Love and caring go to your family. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Nancy Fobes
January 8, 2013
sorry for your loss,tom & arlene were good friendsfor many years.
our prayers are with you.
ron& gerri garrett.
January 8, 2013
Dear Arlene & Family,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved, Tom. We send our prayers & Condolences to you all. God Bless.
Tanya & Brett Illing
January 8, 2013
Integrity and class.
Paul A. Tisdale
January 8, 2013
My condolences to the Wall Family.
Joe Ryan
January 8, 2013
We will miss him! It was an honor to call him a friend and brother in arms. My sympathy to Arlene and the Family.
Bill Byrd
January 8, 2013
MR. WALL WAS A REMARKABLE PERSON. BILOXI
WILL BE DARKER WITHOUT HIM.
JESSIE TAYLOR
January 8, 2013
My deepest condolences to Arlene and the Wall family. I had the pleasure of knowing Tom the past 32 years. He was a friend to all and especially to the city of Biloxi. It is said that God has a plan for all; He has called Tom home to fulfill that plan. Cherish the memories of Tom. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time.
Buddy Litz
January 8, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Arlene. Tom was a friend to all and will be greatly missed.
The Biloxi Lions Club
January 8, 2013
We were very saddened to hear the news of Tom's passing. Our hearts go out to his family. Tom was a very special man and will be missed.
Karrie Plaskett
January 8, 2013
Dear Arlene,
Dennis and I are so sorry to hear about Tom. We were so lucky to have known such a great, fun loving guy and to be his friend. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Debbie & Dennis
Dennis House
January 8, 2013
One of Biloxi's finest. Thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the family he leaves behind. Roni (Ross) Ollar
January 8, 2013
Arlene, so sorry to hear about Tom. He was a great man and all will miss him.
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Rich & Lois Fryer, Crestview, FL.
January 8, 2013
Arline,Bob,Jeff and the rest of the family, you have my deepest sympathy. Tom was a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many people. God Bless!!!!
Vicki Elkins
January 8, 2013
So sorry for your loss Arlene.
Teresa Odom-Gunn
January 8, 2013
Tom was my boss when I was a long haired high school kid in 1970 at the Vance Air Force Base Officer's Club. He was also a good friend to my parents. He was a great role model for all that new him.
Randy Simmons, MSgt, USAF (Ret)
January 7, 2013
Tom was a remarkable man who was respected and liked by everyone he met - he will never be forgotten. We most sincerely sympathize with Arlene and her great loss, Letty & Tommy
Letty Afong
January 7, 2013
He loved Biloxi! Great man.
Barbara Richardson Crouch
January 7, 2013
A good man. We will miss him.
Robert Lipscomb
January 7, 2013
A nice man and good public servant. He will be missed. God Bless him and his family during the most difficult of times.
Tim Holleman
Tim Holleman
January 7, 2013
We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.
The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes
January 7, 2013
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