Thomas Connally

A memorial service for Thomas R. Connally, of Tyler is scheduled for Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM, at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Stuart Baskin officiating. Visitation with family will be held at the church immediately following the service. Arrangements are with Stewart Family Funeral Home. Tom was born February 16, 1936 in Bartlett to W.L. and M. Ilene Hart Connally. A graduate of Tyler High School in 1952, Tom obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University in 1956 and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1958. Tom served as Captain in the United States Air Force, stationed at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina before returning to Tyler in 1961 to open his dental office practicing dentistry for a total of 40 years. In the early 1970’s, in service to the city he loved, Tom was elected to the Tyler City Council serving as Mayor of Tyler during his term as chairman of the Council. He also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church. Tom attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years where his strong faith was shepherded under the leadership of Dr. Craig Radford. Tom loved the Colorado Rocky Mountains, the Florida Panhandle beaches, gardening and a competitive game of Hearts with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Pat Connally. Tom is survived by his loving family including his wife of 28 years, Dorothy Connally of Tyler; daughters, Cheryl Sanders and husband Kelly of Tyler, Julia Sedate and husband Shawn of Anthem, AZ and Lisa Lambeth; sister, Nan Barnes and husband Alan of Tyler; sister-in-law, Aletha Nelligan and husband Pete of Modesto, CA. He was known and loved as Docky to grandson Thomas Browning, wife Leslie and great-granddaughter Mallory, all of Big Bear City, CA; grandson Phillip Sanders and wife Rebecca of Dallas; granddaughter, Claire Sedate of Waco and grandson Kyle Sedate of Anthem, AZ; great nieces Ruby and Lily Pridgen of Tyler; and many extended family members. If desired, memorials may be made to Bible Study Fellowship, 19007 Huebner Road, San Antonio, 78258; First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk, Tyler, 75701; or the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, 75703.

Thomas Connally

February 16, 1936 - April 24, 2012