Thomas Malcom Dedman

Dr. Thomas Malcom Dedman, age 58, of Camden, Arkansas passed away at Ouachita County Medical Center on Sunday, March 25, 2012. Following a 3 year battle with ALS, his physical limitations have now been removed as he walks with his Savior in heaven. He was born on October 29, 1953 to the late Dr. J.L. and Juanita Malcom Dedman. Tom was a 1972 graduate of Camden High School, a 1976 graduate of Henderson State University, and a 1980 graduate of Southern College of Optometry. Following his graduation from optometry school, he returned to Camden where he practiced optometry from 1980 until his retirement in 2010. His personal interest in each of his patients and his attention to their needs earned him the respect and admiration of both his patients and the community throughout his 30 year practice. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Camden where he was a faithful member of the Watts Sunday School class, and served for many years as a member and chairman of the Sound and Lights Committee. Tom is survived by his wife of 16 years, Vicki Young Dedman; a daughter, Heather Elaine Jordan and her husband, Ryan; two sons, Jacob Edward Dedman and James Gregory Barton; two brothers, Dr. John D. "Sonny" Dedman and his wife, Shelley of Pine Bluff and Dr. William D. "Bill" Dedman of Camden; a sister, Julia Dedman Joseph of Little Rock; and his mother-in-law, Doris Edwards. He is also survived by numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members to whom he has opened both his heart and his home through the years. Tom's family members wish to express their deep gratitude to his physicians, the staff of OCMC Doctors Home Care, and many other special friends who have assisted with his care during his illness. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Camden. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Proctor Funeral Home in Camden. The family requests that memorials be made to either Ouachita County Medical Center Doctors Home Care or to the J. Thomas May Center for ALS Research at UAMS. To make a donation to the Center for ALS Research please contact Rhonda Anthony by e-mail at anthonyrhondal@uams.edu or by calling (501) 526-5913. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com