Tommy C. Free

Tommy C Free (71) of the Rock Springs community departed his earthly home on May 9, 2025 and entered the gates of Heaven with open arms.
Tommy was born June 10, 1953 to the late Quinton "Red" and Sue Dell Free of Rock Springs. He dedicated many years to serving Drew County. He started as a juvenile counselor for Delta Counseling, then went on to serve over a decade as the Drew County Sheriff before he became the Monticello Police Chief. He then moved to Searcy, AR and served White County Sheriff's office for several years as an investigator before retiring and moving home to be closer to his family.
He was a member of Rock Springs Community Church and led a truly Christian life. He had a servant's heart and loved Jesus most of all. He was a true example of one of God's warriors as he was not dealt an easy hand at life. When his wife passed away early in life, he took on the role of mother and father for his girls. He worked so hard to take care of his family to the very end. He served his church and community well and was a long-time volunteer for Clear Creek Fire Department even though they were scared to let him drive the truck.
He was the best baby brother in the world to his siblings. The majority of his time after retirement was spent on the farm with Johnny taking care of cows, cutting hay, and working on whatever needed to be fixed at Carolyn and Mary Ann's. He loved going fishing with his kids, hunting with the Sugar Shack crew, camping and hiking with Jonie and the family, cheering on his grandkids at whatever event they were in, or just being around his family.
Most of all, he was a hero to his grandchildren, especially Bentley who always seemed to talk Papa into whatever he wanted like an endless amount of McDonalds money. To his daughters, he was their everything, a true knight in shining armor. He was an avid woodworker. Any crazy thing Lindsey or Stephanie came up with for him to build, he got right on it. All of his handiwork will live on in the many pieces of furniture he's crafted over the years. He did need some supervision when building some things like the time he made Ella a crooked bookshelf and then laughed and said, "I think we can just cut the bottom off and it will be ok."
Tommy is preceded in death by the first love of his life, Marnell Free, and a brother, Lee Free. He is survived by his wife, Jonie Free; daughters Lindsey (Britt) Burris and Stephanie (Tyler) Spencer of Rock Springs; grandchildren Rylie Cate and Ella Burris and Isabella and Bentley Spencer; one brother Johnny Free (Debra), two sisters Mary Ann (Larry) Collins and Carolyn Carter, a stepson and daughter Ross and Ann Carol Farmer, and a whole host of nieces, nephews, brother and sister in laws as well as his church family and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 1:00PM until service time at 2:00PM at the Rock Springs Community Church in Rock Springs, burial will be in Rock Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don Bostian, Bari McKeown, Jim Tadel, Buddy Devine, Jim Adcock, Jess Odom, Dee Woodle, Terry Koone, David Chambers, and Max Harper. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Clear Creek Fire Department.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rock Springs Cemetery Association (835 Rock Springs Rd, Wilmar, AR 71675) or to the SETBP1 Society (PO Box 301584, Austin, TX 78703) in honor of his precious Izzy. Donations can also be made online at givebutter.com/DonateSETBP1 or through PayPal at Paypal.me/setbp1.
Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook www.griffinfuneralservice.net.