Thomas (Tommy) Lloyd Wofford, Sr.

Thomas (Tommy) Lloyd Wofford Sr. passed away peacefully at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro, June 22, 2020 at the age of 94.  Tommy was born June 21, 1926 in Harrisburg, AR to the late C. O. and Gladys Wofford.  Tommy lived his entire life in Weiner, AR where he graduated with the Class of 1944 after which he entered the Navy at age 17.  One of his proudest accomplishments was being an Air Crewman on a Grumman TBM Torpedo Bomber.  He served the United States Navy from 1944 – 1946.

Upon returning home to Weiner, Tommy attended Arkansas State and joined his Dad and Uncle (C.O. Wofford and S. J. Norsworthy) in the Norsworthy and Wofford John Deere Agriculture Equipment Dealership until his retirement in 1988.  It was his privilege to Co-own the Dealership with his son Lloyd and work side-by-side for many years.  Tommy has the distinction of being the last of the original John Deere Ag Dealers in Arkansas.  Along with his 40-years with Norsworthy and Wofford, Tommy also farmed in the Weiner area.  Tommy and Lloyd also founded engines, inc. in 1979 .  Today engines, inc., located in Jonesboro just surpassed 41 years (4th generation) of the Wofford family/John Deere affiliation.

Tommy’s other proud accomplishment was marrying Sally Anne McGaughey of Weiner.  They married on December 22, 1946 and proudly celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary this past December.  His “bride”, as he referred to Sally, was the love of his life and he cherished each moment they shared.

After retirement, Tommy started G & W Aircraft where he loved restoring airplanes.  Many friends, too many to name, would stop by for coffee and a chat or to offer a hand on a project.  Tommy was an active pilot for 67 years and enjoyed flying until he was 83 years young.  Many will remember the WWII Torpedo Bomber that he restored and housed at the Sally Wofford Airport in Weiner.  He loved flying the TBM in Air Shows around the Country and made life-long friends with many of the other pilots.

Among his contributions to his community, Tommy served on the Weiner School Board for over 20 years in various capacities.  He started the C.O. Wofford Scholarship Fund and along with many diplomas, he also handed out scholarships to many graduating seniors from Weiner High School.  He was a member of the Weiner Methodist Church since 1946, serving his Church on various Boards and Committees.  Tommy also served on the Board of the Methodist Hospital in Jonesboro for a number of years.

Tommy loved to hunt deer, squirrel, elk, quail and turkey.  He and Sally went on numerous trips out West to hunt Elk.  His last deer hunt was December 2019 with his son and grandson.  He did not bag any game but he sure enjoyed just being out in the woods in his deer stand waiting for the opportunity to see that “big one”.

His father C. O. and his mother Gladys Wofford of Weiner precede Tommy in death.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Sally McGaughey Wofford , his son Lloyd Wofford (Linda)  of Jonesboro and his sister Cecelia Prather (Allen) of Fort Myers, FL.  He is also survived by two grandsons Cameron (Ashlee) Wofford and Trey (Dana)  Wofford and two great-grandsons Owen and Braxston all of Jonesboro. He treasured his 2 nephews, 3 nieces, his extended family and a host of friends.

Tommy was a Christian man who loved and served God. He fiercely loved his family and his Country.  This was evident in every aspect of his life and he will be remembered as a man who never met a stranger and never failed to help those in need.

Services to honor the life of Tommy Wofford will be under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.  Following guidelines for Covid-19 social distancing and wearing a mask, there will be a visitation Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 5-7 PM at Emerson Memorial Chapel.  Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Weiner, Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 10:30 AM.  Out of respect For those who cannot attend, you may drop off a card or message for the family at Emerson Funeral Home or at the Cemetery prior to internment.  Honorary Pallbearers will be the employees of engines, inc.

The family of Mr. Wofford wishes to express our sincerest “thank you” to the wonderful staff who are on the front lines each day taking care of our loved ones:  St. Bernard’s Villa, Craighead Nursing Center, and the doctors and nurses who provided “Christ-like” care at St. Bernard’s Hospital.  Memorials may be sent to St. Bernard’s Development Foundation – 400 East Street, Jonesboro AR 72401, The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, PO Box 2097, Jonesboro, AR 72402 or the charity of your choice.