Tommie Walsh, Dedicated father, husband, writer and poet, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 12, 2017 in Kyle, Texas. He was 72 years old.
Tommie was born in Austin in, Texas on Saturday, April 15, 1944 to Norman and LaVerne (Alvers) Walsh. He met his wife to be, Rita Bailey, early in life. Rita’s father owned an auto parts store, and Tommie’s father owned a services station. Tommie would find any excuse to go to the auto parts store, purchase things he didn’t need, just to spend time with Rita. Their first big date was with a group of friends at Six Flags. They married on Saturday, May 15th, 1965; scheduled between their birthdays so that he could be a year older than her when they married. Tommie and Rita raised their family together as he started his career in the National Guard, retiring from the Army Reserves as a Warrant Officer in 1978. Tommie loved to fly; but never became a pilot. While in the National Guard, he worked in a helicopter unit as a crew chief and then a refueler. He moved over to Army Intelligence, where he learned how to read satellite photos a skill he would utilize in civilian life. Simultaneous with his military career, Tommie worked for the Texas Department of Transportation as a photogrammetrist, where he retired after 37 years. He then went to work for the Martinez Corporation for 9 years, continuing his valuable work. As a photogrammetrist, Tommie was responsible for measuring and plotting elevations on photos for road construction. The upper deck of Interstate 35 was one of his many projects. Tommy loved to wear hats. When in the service, Tommie would where a cowboy hat wherever he went. Later it was replaced with a baseball cap. He was a talented woodworker, making wooden tanks and tractors. He wrote several books for adolescents and was a poet. He made great tacos and after trying to duplicate Rita’s hot sauce recipe, decided he would take over their family’s private hot sauce production, bottles of which are coveted by his children and grand-children. Tommie was preceded in death by his older sister, Betty Lou Walsh, whom passed away as a child, and his parents.
Tommie is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Rita (Bailey) Walsh; his son Brian Walsh and wife Amber; his daughter April Layman and husband Daniel; grandchildren: Tyler Walsh, Blake Walsh, Bennett Walsh and Archer Layman. He will also be missed by his sister Norma McCullough and brother James Walsh and wife Sharon as wel as numerous family members and friends.
Friends and family are invited to Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby, in Kyle Texas on Saturday, February 18th, 2017 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for a time of visitation. Please immediately join Tommie’s family at his funeral service to celebrate his life at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 18th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3751 Trail Ridge Pass, San Marcos, Texas 78666, followed immediately with a dinner reception. A private cremation will follow.
Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Tommie’s family on his On-line memorial site.
Funeral and cremation assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-8200
