Thomas Aldridge

Thomas Wayne Aldridge, devoted husband, father, and high school basketball coach, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday morning, March 6, 2026, at the age of 79. Tommy was born on July 16, 1946, in Gladewater TX to the late Thomas Truman and Lillian Marie Aldridge.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Johnny Aldridge and Jimmy Aldridge of Union Grove, TX

Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia Smith Aldridge; one son, Lance Aldridge; Brother-in-law Mike Smith and his wife Donna, Sister-in-law Linda Chamberlain: Nieces, Jennifer Hall, Megan Jackson and Crystal Stone; Nephews, Dorrin Brown, Josh Brown and Brandon Reynolds; 11 great nieces, 4 great nephews and 2 grea-t great nieces.

Tommy graduated from Union Grove HS in 1964, and earned his master's degree in health and Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin in 1973. Tommy's 40-year career in education began at Foster Middle School in Longview in 1973. He coached football, basketball, tennis, track, and baseball during his career, but his passion was basketball. He pioneered the girls' basketball program at Longview High School in 1978, garnering national acclaim and helping a multitude of his players advance to the collegiate level. His team came to win the state championship in 1984. Tommy left Longview High School in 2010 to lead the girls' basketball team at his alma mater, Union Grove HS, leading them to a district title in his second year, along with playoff appearances in his second and third seasons. Tommy retired from coaching in 2013 for health reasons. His confidence, alpha competitiveness, and strong work ethic combined to forge a career that culminated in his induction into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in May 2025. Tommy was a sports enthusiast, especially for basketball and football. He enjoyed playing basketball and tennis in his adult years. Tommy loved fishing, jogging, cycling, music, and playing dominoes.

Visitation will be at Clarksville Baptist Church in Gladewater at 10 am March 10th with services following at 11 am. Burial will be at 3 PM March 10th at Hickory Hill Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, TX