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BORN
1948
DIED
2007
Thomas Spinks Obituary
Memorial service: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at St. Barnabas United Methodist Church in Arlington.
Memorials: The family is honoring Tommy's wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Barnabas United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5011 W. Pleasant Ridge Road, Arlington, Texas 76016, 817-483-1667; or a charity of choice.
Tommy lived every day of his 58 years with intensity, generosity of spirit and unparalleled passion for his family.
Behind him, he leaves a rich legacy. He was a dreamer, who recognized his greatest dream while here on earth. He was surrounded by his family all of the days of his life. In recent years he began sharing and expanding the dreams of those he encountered.
With the creation of his national, record-breaking magazine, Millionaire Blueprints, he found an outlet to share a portion of the wisdom he had collected… His hope was to inspire others to find their ultimate success.
This was a theme for his life, looking out for others, wanting the best for others, loving others. It was always about "others" not "self," for this giant of a man. He loved his family with a ferocity and devotion that are beyond explanation. They feel his loss intensely, but are comforted with the resonance of the spirit he left behind. Forevermore will they hear his words of love, encouragement and belief that he was so diligent to spill out on those around him.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Otis and Grace Spinks.
Survivors: He leaves behind his lifelong soulmate and wife of 40 years, Barbara Lindsay Spinks; his eternally devoted children, Kimberly Spinks Burleson (Michael) of Arlington, Teri Spinks Netterville (Kevin) of Shreveport, La., Jason Wesley Spinks of Arlington and Lindsay Spinks Shepherd (Chad) of Arlington; his treasured grandchildren, Stone, Sunny and Shane Burleson, Steele, Summer and Slade Netterville, Kendyl and Kade Spinks, Janna and Tyler Gentry and Turner Shepherd; and his loving sisters, Peggy Spinks Hughes (Ed) of Longview and Betty Carol Spinks Bales (Joey) of West Monroe, La.; and countless other family and friends who are hurting exquisitely right now, but find joy in the memories of this amazing, funny, compassionate, indescribable man.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Spinks
shelby green
November 29, 2007
Mr. Spinks came to our school and told us so many woderful things. he was a great man with children and business. I feel so sorry for the Spinks family that they lost such a wonderful man.
Curtis Bergthold
September 30, 2007
Tommy really was a wonderful spirit. There are very few people in this world that have that. With a person like Tommy, it just happens. I will truly miss him.
God Bless All the Family and Those Whose Lives He Touched.
Curtis Bergthold
sandra piskuran
September 28, 2007
Dear Lindsay and all,
Thank you for your comforting email note. Glad to hear your family is coping, but somehow I am not at all surprised.
We are eagerly awaiting the newest addition to your wonderful family.
Wonder if T. J. will include Spinks in her name too?
Glad you are able to feel your Dad's presence so well. He is proud of you guys still.
Sandra and Bill Piskuran
Gail Bennison
September 27, 2007
Lindsay and Kimberly and all of Tom's family..I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I just found out last night. God bless all of you, and may you find peace in the memories you shared as a family. He was a visionary. Love, Gail
Eric and Debbie Johnson
September 8, 2007
Dear Barbara and family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness and loss. Tommy was such an inspiration to me and so many other people throughout his life. What a great guy who knew how to celebrate life! He will be greatly missed by all who had the honor and privilege to know him.
Laura Hebert
September 7, 2007
To Lindsay and the rest of the Spinks family:
I am so sorry for your loss! I have been keeping you all in my thoughts. Your dad was very special and he always knew how to make the Ingle family laugh. He will truly be missed!!!
Love,
Laura (Ingle) Hebert
Nikki Martin
September 7, 2007
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Tommy. I was just a child when I knew Tommy from St. John's (Anna & Dean Lowary's daughter). My memories of Tommy are substantial. He was such a kind loving person and only wanted the best for everyone he came in contact with. My thoughts and prayers are with the Spinks family.
Spunky & Vida Creger
September 7, 2007
Dearest Barbara, although it has been quite a few years since you and Tommy left Shreveport, you have remained in our fondest thoughts and recollections about our years together in the Questers Class at First Methodist. We are so sad for your loss, and please know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Spunky and Vida Creger
Gene and Ryan Self
September 5, 2007
When Ryan and I were church-hunting in Shreveport, LA, friends of ours suggested First United Methodist and especially a Sunday School class called "Questers." So, one Sunday, we attended and were greeted by the class President, Tommy Spinks. Were we at the right place at the right time, or what? To know Tommy was to love him. What an awesome leader! Wherever Tommy Spinks was, there was laughter, hearty and abundant. We have spoken of him and his lovely Barbara so often over the years. What a great thing to happen...our paths crossing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spinks family. We loved your Tommy.
Delaina and Patrick O'Dell
September 5, 2007
Dearest Barbara and Family,
What a testimony to someone's life when you read all the guest book comments and locations in which they came. We had the ultimate pleasure of knowing Tommy and the rest of the family for at least 18 years now. Our lives have been so interwoven by God. Life is short and we all feel cheated by the loss of Tommy. I know he is keeping everyone laughing in Heaven, organizing the first Heaven magazine, eating a Honey Baked Ham, and feeling all smug about now knowing all the true answers to life's questions. No doubt he was greeted by all his dear friends that departed prior to him. We have the fondest and most funny memories of life with Tommy. Giving the gift of laughter to others is a true gift from God, one of many that Tommy had. Our lives are better from having known him. With our deepest love and affection.
sandra piskuran
September 5, 2007
As always, this family comforted so many who were able to attend the memorial service for Mr. Spinks. The church was crowded (just think how many could not attend - Arlington would have had to hurry up with that Cowboy Stadium or maybe the Ranger stadium would have hold all who did and those who wanted to but could not attend. -
The slide show of years gone by up to the present was of course well done. Yes, many of us cried but we always smiled and laughed.
The solos were touching. They too made some of us cry, smile and be so glad we were a tiny part of this man's life thru his daughter,son-in-law, and his precious TURNER SPINKS as our grandson calls him.
Wish all of you could have been there in person but the church was filled with sweet, sweet spirits.
Thank you, Spinks and Shepherd families for allowing us to be a tiny part in your friend/family circle......love and blessings to all. Sandra and Bill Piskuran, aka Pound/Piskuran family.
Wanda Priestly
September 4, 2007
Barbara and Family,
You are in my prayers during this terribly difficult time. Barbara and Tommy were the couple who walked Jimmy and me to the Questers class when we joined FUMC in Shreveport. I have fond memories of Tommy's joy for life.
Ron Newberry
September 4, 2007
Rest in peace Tommy. Woodlawn Knight forever. We will miss you and memories of great high school years.
Rich and Jan Donley
September 4, 2007
Dear Barbara and family,
Rich and I were so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I don't believe we ever had the honor of meeting him but from what has been said here, he was as caring and compassionate as you. Our prayers are with you.
Dr. Eva Troha
September 4, 2007
This guestbook is such a testament to the life of Mr. Tommy Spinks! He was such an amazing man that was full of love, laughter and life. I am so blessed to have had the privilege to know him as well as the rest of his family. He never left the office without making someone smile...and making me laugh. I am so very sorry for your loss. My whole family is mourning his passing from this life into his eternal one with our Father. We have been praying for you to be surrounded in God's comfort and peace that passes all understanding.
With love,
Drs. Jeff & Eva, Avery and Kendall Troha
Bobby Bernard
September 3, 2007
Barbara and family: You all know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. As you all know, Tommy was very special to me and a dear friend. I will miss him very much and continue to keep you all in my prayers. Sincerely
Kerri Carruth Downing
September 3, 2007
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Spinks in high school and the Spinks household was always my favorite place to be. His spirit was infectious, his laughter and giggle will always be in my memory, and his devotion and love for his family was awe inspiring. We have been blessed for knowing him. Rest in peace, Mr. Spinks.
Gayle Ingle
September 3, 2007
To my friends, the Spinks, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. You are very special to me and my family. Tom was my volleyball buddy and my dear friend. His laughter and smiles and even his teasing kept me going through some very trying days. He will definitely be missed. But,I do have many fond memories that will be cherished always.My deepest sympathy to you all during this time. I love you lots!
Angel Mauterer
September 2, 2007
I will never forget Mr. Spinks, he was a man with a heart as big as Texas who loved and cared for everyone he ever met. I'm truly blessed to have known him.
Sydney Kuzma
September 2, 2007
Barbara and Kimberly
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Wendell Baskin
September 2, 2007
Barbara
I was saddened to learn of your loss. I will always remember Tommy's joy, his stories, his "outdoor ministry", his lust for life, and his unconditional love of others - especially his family. You and Tommy were always so kind to me. May the spirit of the Creator be with you, now and always. Blessings to you ...
Larry McDonald
September 2, 2007
Barbara-
You and your family have my deepest sympathy over your tragic loss. Tommy was a good friend though it's been years since I've seen you both. You will always have my love forever.
Sylvia and Larry McDonald
Woodlawn
Class of '66
Jo Rodhelle
September 2, 2007
In loving thoughts of Tom and his family
Roni, Mike, Brayden & Cade Hipp
September 1, 2007
I am so lucky that I got to know and spend time with one of the greatest men I've ever known. He touched the lives of so many of us that were associated with the SLU Volleyball program. I know that there are many young ladies that will never forget his great big heart and I for one will never forget him and all of our wonderful "volleyball chats". Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Spinks family.
Pam Shaw White
September 1, 2007
Barbara and family. On monday morning, my brother Scottie called me and told me about Tommy going to Heaven. I was so sad then and I am still very sad. The first thought that came to my mind is the title of a book I am reading, "It's not about me". That was the way he lived his life. I am so sorry for what you are going through and please know that Richard and I are praying for your entire family. I have alot of good memories of Tommy and Barbara all through high school. They always were the best looking couple. I also remember the green Falcon that Tommy drove and how he would always blow that horn for blocks when he would pass our house. My mom would always say, there goes Tommy. I have been telling Richard Tommy stories ever since monday. It has been a joy to remember such a sweet and caring person. You are truly a blessed family to have had such a wonderful husband, father and granddaddy. Much love to all of you.
Dianne (Feazel) Lashley
August 31, 2007
Barbara and family,
You and your wonderful family are in my prayers. Our busy lives have kept up apart but I have cherished the times I was able to see you and Tommy at our high school re-unions and at Tech. The last time my husband and I saw Tommy was after a Tech game 2 or 3 years ago. We were at a pizza restaurant and Tommy (and his group) had finished before us. We enjoyed visiting with each other for a while and he had to go. When we were ready to pay for four of us, we were told that Tommy had already paid for us. That was so typical of him - he was the sweetest guy I've ever known. You may remember that I went to Summer Grove Methodist when Rev. Spinks was there. I can honestly say that Brother Spinks was the the kindest, gentlest man so it's no wonder that Tommy grew to be such a loving person. He never said anything negative about anyone all the years I knew him. I know I'm not telling you anything that you don't know. Please express my sympathy to all your precious children and grandchildren.
Steve Pio
August 31, 2007
My best to Barbara and all the family for your loss. I will always remember Tommy as having the character of a devious little boy that was constantly searching for a way to stir up trouble. He had a good heart and I miss the times when we were all close and in harmony with one another. God be with you all at this special time of need.
Linda Morgan Ahearn
August 31, 2007
You all will not know me, but I was a cheerleader when your Dad coached his first year at Woodlawn High School. My older brother is Mike Morgan so I knew all about Tommy Spinks before I ever was able to meet him. It was such a pleasure to get to know him personally that first year he was teaching. He was such a sweet, dear young man. Its been interesting to read people's entries in this guest book. They all resound with the same consistent message. How very gracious, loving and kind your Dad was. His laugh was truly infectious. I can still hear it now. He made all of us seniors that year feel very special. He had that way with him. I know you are going to miss him tremendously, but be very proud of the gift of him being your Dad. He was truly unique. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Dennis and Eileen Cool
August 31, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Thanks for touching our lives with your love and all the memories we will have of your wonderful family.
Mary Arcement
August 31, 2007
It is difficult to believe this amazing man has left this earth, but I know in my heart he is now at peace. I first met Teri Spinks Netterville in 1988 and then had the pleasure of meeting the rest of the Spinks a year later. Teri and I became best friends in college and eventually her family became mine. I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Tommy and Barbara Spinks. I love you both and know someday we will all be laughing hysterically again with Tommy. All my love! God bless you! Mary Arcement
Cherie Word
August 31, 2007
I have head the honor of knowing Tom and his family for just a couple years. They are the most loving, caring and compassionate people I have ever known. Always there for everyone. My love knows no boundaries for all of you. He will be missed...
Jessica Spaulding
August 31, 2007
In this time of sorrow my thoughts are with you and your family. I would like to say that I am grateful for the time that I had with Tommy. I had the pleasure of meeting Tommy when I was around ten. I became very close to his children and Barbara was very good friends with my mother.
Tommy’s outlook on life was positive and his ideas were amazing. I admired his outlook on life and his sense of humor was something I will never forget or his smile as he would kid around with me. The Spinks family was there for me when my mother passed away. I would like to extend my gratitude towards your family for being there at my side in a time of difficulty. I know from my experience that you have to treasure the times you had together. I know that Tommy is in heaven and will be watching over all of us as he did when here was here with us. If you need anything at all any of you please call me.
817-602-5879 I will be thinking of each and everyone of you.
Becky Wray Remington
August 31, 2007
Tommy was a friend when I truly needed one. His love of life and his sense of humor helped me in many ways. He was an amazing person and will leave a void in this world. My thougths are with Barbara and his family.
Donna, Tevin, and Taryn Cates
August 31, 2007
We are thankful to have known Tom Spinks. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. With love,
Mike Morgan
August 31, 2007
Barbara and the entire Spinks family, I've only had a little contact with Tommy since high school,at a few fund raiser golf tourn. and he called me when he was first starting up his magazine i still have a nice letter Tommy wrote me. I have written a response to the Shreveport Times nice article Teddy Aleen wrote this past Monday, I tried to explain the influence Tommy had on my life just as i'm sure he had on many lives, I hoped Tommy realized back in those young days at Woodlawn what kind of impact Tommy was making on the younger very impressionable players like myself, i don't need to tell you what a rare and special man Tommy Spinks really was. My response should be in this weekends edition Sat. or Sun.of the Times. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
JOHN WALLACE
August 31, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dan & Lynell Hall Lambert
August 31, 2007
May the voice of your loved one
forever be a ray of sunlight that softly shines upon your face
and warms your heart and brightens your soul while whispering "I Love You" from a far better place. DL
Barb, our condolences and sympath go out to you and yours during this unfortunate time.
Andy Ingle
August 30, 2007
Tom was my dad's best friend, and a dear friend to me. Growing up at volleyball tournaments I was intrigued by his stories of football. I looked up to him and he always knew how to make me laugh and my father too. My last few memories of him were having fun playing golf, he was so lighthearted around me when he would run over my golf ball with the golf cart and push it into the ground. This man will be forever missed, but he definitely did leave his mark. That will never be forgotten, he is such an amazing man. God bless everyone, he would want you to smile right now even though its hard to.
Judi Dunbar
August 30, 2007
We
were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom. Our hearts and
prayers are with your beautiful family at this time. Tom's legacy of
love and laughter transcends far beyond this world. He made an
indelible mark on our family in our very first meeting. We feel truly
blessed to have known him.
Lisa Moore
August 30, 2007
Tommy was our Sunday school leader for several years at St. Johns in Arlington. I will never forget all of those wonderful times that so many of us shared. Tommy was one of those special people that you wanted to be around. I loved his positive outlook and how he loved his family. I have always been in awe of the Spinks family. It is apparent to all that know your family that you share a bond and closeness that is rare. I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy was a great man that will be missed.
Kirby Ramsey
August 30, 2007
Tommy and his parents and sister were with me and my brothers when we learned that my father had died in 1964. They were there to support us during this dark day. I am forever grateful to Tommy and his family for being such genuine Christians. There is another star in Heaven tonight!! Kirby Ramsey
Tyler, Janna, Kendyl & Kade Spinks
August 30, 2007
Tom was the best "grand-daddy" in this world! We'll never forgot how he helped out the tooth fairy in leaving a hundred one's in his couch for us to find each time we lost our first tooth! The silly string fights were a blast too and we loved covering our Grand-Daddy in that mess!! His laughter was contagious and he had such an incredible way of making us all feel so special when we were around him. We will miss you terribly and will cherish every memory we have. Grand-mama, you're the best too! We love you! Tyler, Janna, Kendyl & Kade Spinks
Ora Lea Harrison
August 30, 2007
Barbara,
I'm so sorry that you didn't have 40 more years together.
You guys really knew how to live and love.
My heart and prayers go out for you and your family.
Love always, Ora Lea
Ricky Wyatt
August 30, 2007
Tommy was my Coach at Woodlawn in 1972-1973. Me and several other kids helped you paint the inside of your house when Tommy had a cast on his leg. I'm sorry I never contacted you guys before now. With Love Ricky Wyatt
Robyn Bullard
August 30, 2007
In Memory of Tom who talked and walked me through one of the hardest days of my life. An inspiration to us all. There's a hole in the world tonight.
Ann Nagle
August 30, 2007
Tom and Barbara created a wonderful family together that I have had the utmost pleasure of knowing. I am thankful for the tremendous legacy he so lovingly created and shared with us all. Sending you all my love.
Ann McLean Nagle
Jonathan Cooke
August 30, 2007
I met Tommy two years ago. We had lunch about once a month, always the same, seafood gumbo and salad...blue cheese on the side. Tommy was a great story teller and his laugh was contagious. Tom's vision, dedication and commitment in starting Millionaire Blueprints never waived and his success in the magazine world is unsurpassed. What he has been able to accomplish has not been done by anyone. Read the magazine, it tells a great story. The bigger story is that this was a family affair, his kids were living his dream with him and that is just the way he wanted it. I know they will continue his dream.
I grew to love Tommy Spinks, he was always thinking outside the box and making those around him do the same thing. He will be missed by everyone who had the priviliage to know him.
Our prayers are for his family.
Linda and Jonathan Cooke
Tamra LeMay
August 30, 2007
It was an honor to know Tom and a blessing to have him as a friend. His Love will carry on forever.
Tamra LeMay
Bubba Berry
August 30, 2007
Barbara, It has been 40 years since,We all saw each other last. My heart goes out to you and your family, Tommy was a friend in high school and I am really sorry For not staying in touch, I just Learned that ya"ll live here in the Ft Worth area.God Speed Tommy. Your high school friend .Gerald (Bubba) Berry
Nancie Reddy
August 30, 2007
Barbara,it has been many years since i have seen you,i remember you and i playing with our baby dolls on the playground at Fairfield Elementry School.Wow,that was so long ago.My parents relocated to Southern Hills and the rest was history.I went to Oak Terrace then on to Woodlawn.I do remember Tommy very well,he had a highly contagious smile, never met a stranger.My cousin,Joe Thibeau grew up with Tommy and Terry,so i heard lots of good stories over the years. Barbara i am so sorry for your loss,i pray and ask our heavenly father to be with you and your family and to give you the strength and peace that you need in the days to come.My sincere condolences.Nancie Branch Reddy
Russell, Brenda, Kaitlyn & Michael Wilson
August 30, 2007
Such a beautiful and bountiful legacy from an inspiring man. We are blessed to have crossed in his path. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rusty Ingle
August 30, 2007
Tom was one of my best friends. Words cannot describe the loss that I feel. I will miss him greatly. I am glad he is out of his pain and on to a new life, but I am sorry for us left behind to go through the rest of our lives without him. I am very happy that the Spinks and Ingle families crossed paths. Believe me when I say that your loss is our loss, too. God bless Tom and all who mourn his passing. Tears flow now, to be replaced by smiles and laughs when the hurt is gone and we look back on knowing him.
Randolph J Pistorius Jr
August 30, 2007
Lins, Mrs Barbara, and the rest of the family. My mind has been thinking of you this week. I was glad to know your dad and husband and so sorry to see him go. You all Stay strong and everyone sends their thoughts and prayers
Becky Holland
August 30, 2007
We know Tommy is up in heaven just aggrevating everybody....smiling and laughing. Our hearts are heavy right now but our memories are dear. We love you all even though are paths have not crossed lately. Thinking of you - Mike, Becky, Michelle Holland Suhar, Jon and Scott
Glenn Murphy
August 30, 2007
Tommy was a great teammate and a friend. I'll always remember Tommy. My thoughts and prayers will be for his family, who will miss him so much.
Nelda (Strickland) Milligan
August 30, 2007
We always wonder about the lives of those we knew in our high school years. It looks like Tommy lived his to the fullest and was truly blessed with a wonderful family. May our Lord continue to hold you all in the palm of His hand as you grieve the earthly loss of this beloved man.
Jenni Cole (Cool)
August 30, 2007
I'll never forget the sound of his laugh. It was the best!! All my love.
jeremy bounds
August 30, 2007
I know that one day soon I will be able to visit with Tom in heaven.I will never forget the way he made me feel so good about myself. He was a gift to all those who were around him.
Susan Bilger
August 30, 2007
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Tom was a very special man and I am proud to have had the opportunity to have met him. He was not only a client, but a friend whom I could admire for his convictions and the love he held for his family.
Kirk and Ginny Bonner
August 30, 2007
Memories of Tommy's great smile will always be with us. Tommy's devotion to his family and friends has always been an inspiration to our family. He will be missed.
Sandra and Bill Piskuran
August 30, 2007
To the family and friends he left behind----He really really is not gone from you just from this earth.
Knowing his daughter and being a part of some of their family/friend activities is a treasured memory to our family.
While Mr. Spink's death took us somewhat by surprise, the reaction of his family was exactly what he and we would expect. Love to all, Bill and Sandra Piskuran
Jane & Kent Gill
August 30, 2007
We hold you all up in our prayers, and thank God for the opportunity to have known Tommy and be considered his friends.
Dean and Anna Lowary
August 29, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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