Thomas Joseph Kline, Jr.

Thomas Joseph Kline, Jr. passed away the morning of Monday, July 25th, 2022 in Tyler, Texas. He successfully battled numerous illnesses during the last 18 years of his life. His body was willed to the UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Tommy, as he was affectionately known by his friends was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 6th, 1950. His parents were Thomas Joseph Kline, Sr. and Doris Prideaux Kline. He was raised in the Lake Highlands neighborhood of Dallas. A rebellious childhood quickly changed course when he entered Jesuit College Prep in Dallas. A standout athlete, Tommy particularly excelled on the gridiron. He earned the nickname, "Rabbit", by his high school teammates for his quick footwork and his defensive instincts. He was recognized nationally as a Catholic High School All-American and was eventually inducted into the Jesuit Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. After graduation, Tommy briefly attended the University of New Mexico on a football scholarship. Rabbit quickly realized a conversion to the defensive backfield was not for him and hopped over to Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas.

Tommy was heavily involved in in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at Texas Tech and graduated with a degree in Psychology. He enjoyed a successful life-long career in Commercial Real Estate beginning with a job working for his uncle, JL Prideaux, in Dallas. While at Texas Tech, Tommy met the love of his life, Sharon English Kline, his wife of almost 50 years.

A shared love of travel brought Tommy and Sharon on many adventures together worldwide, from Morocco to Peru, and even a few years in retirement living in the highlands of Boquete, Panama. Their spirit of adventure sparked a magical relationship evident to anyone who encountered their presence.

An involved and proud father to sons Clayton and Kevin, Tommy loved coaching his boys in youth sports, particularly baseball, where one of his colorful Blazers or Suburbans could be heard blaring John Fogerty's "Centerfield" as a pre-game ritual. He also was a board member and tournament director for Dallas Inter Soccer Club.

Tommy was an avid hunter and passionate golfer. He never had an unsuccessful hunt or round because it was always about the camaraderie of enjoying shared experiences with his friends. A crack shot and a true outdoorsman, he loved the sport of hunting dove, quail, duck and deer but also respected the harvest and his connection to nature. He picked up golf later in life and immersed himself in it. He was able to play the "bucket list" courses such as Bandon Dunes in Oregon and St. Andrews in Scotland. Despite his best efforts, the PGA never came calling.

Tommy received a special blessing later in life. He connected with his biological family, revealed by their shared DNA. His birth parents were Charles Francis Vienhage and Joan Dunlop Vienhage of Springfield, Missouri. He made a strong bond with his younger biological sisters and brother and their extended families during the last few years of his life.

Quick to share a smile, a handshake or a hug, he was a true friend to everyone he met. He made instant bonds with people from all walks of life. He lived the "Man for Others" motto learned at Jesuit College Prep throughout his life.

Tommy is survived by wife Sharon English Kline, his son Clayton (wife Allison, son, Clayton); his son Kevin (wife Jessica); his nephew Chris Conine (wife Kelly, daughters Chyler and Katelyn); Sister-in-law Norma English Harris (husband Jeff, daughter Lindsay, son Austin) and numerous cousins and loved ones. He is predeceased by his sister, Carol Conine and his parents, Thomas Joseph Kline, Sr. and Doris Prideaux Kline.

Services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas https://www.ctkdallas.org/ located at 8017 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75225. There will be a Rosary Vigil on Friday, August 12th, 2022 at 6:00 PM and a Memorial Service on Saturday, August 13th at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the general scholarship fund at Jesuit College Prep in Dallas https://www.jesuitdallas.org/make-a-gift, St. Mary Magdalene New Church Fund https://catholicflint.org/building-fund or the charity of your choice.