Thomas A. Baxley

Thomas Allen Baxley, age 77, a lifelong resident of Sardis community, died Saturday, July 6, 2013, with his family by his side. He was born in Sardis on Oct. 20, 1935 to the late Milton and Eula Pruett Baxley. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1954 and then began a lifelong career in the furniture manufacturing business. He was a member of the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Sardis. Thomas spent his early days building furniture with Owasso, Jones, McCoy-Couch, and Curtis Mathis Furniture Manufacturing Companies. Later in his career, he worked for Bryant and Sherwood Furniture Companies. During all these years, he made many lifelong friends and was known for his incredible work ethic. In Thomas' last few years, he showed his love for his family and friends by building them amazing pieces of furniture. He built bedroom suits, baby furniture, hope chests, entertainment centers, and even fabulous tree houses. He could create anything from a pile of lumber. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 55 years, Jean Caple Baxley, and his sister, Alene Baxley Williams. He is survived by his son, Tom Baxley and his wife, Kie of Benton; a daughter, Debbie Curtis and her husband, Carl of Louisville, Ky.; two grandsons, Bo and Jesse Baxley of Benton; two granddaughters, Ashley Broaddus (Steve) of Kentucky and Amanda Alumbaugh (Eric) of Benton. He also leaves three great-granddaughters, Sadie, Claire and Carlie as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, July 8, 2013 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton, from 5-7 p.m. Graveside services will be Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at McPherson Cemetery in Sardis at 10 a.m. with Rev. Paul Carter officiating. The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Martindale and Dr. Mark Martindale for their care, advice and friendship as well as all the wonderful staff and care-givers of Fox Ridge Assisted Living Center and Saline Memorial Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Saline Hospice House, 23157 Hwy I-30, Bryant, Ark. 72022. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.