Thomas John Suits, Jr.

Thomas John "Tommie" Suits, Jr. July 31, 1915 July 12, 2011 Thomas John "Tommie" Suits, Jr., passed away peacefully July 12, 2011, at Ridgecrest Retirement and Health Care Center. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23, at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Melissa Amy Maher and Rev. Chris Mesa officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m., in the Chapel. Tommie was born July 31, 1915, in Waco, Texas, the only child of Gertrude Florence Prinzing Suits and Thomas John Suits. His Christian faith, love of family and friends, artistic talent and passion for photography shaped his life. Tommie graduated from Waco High School in 1933. He attended Baylor University and graduated from the Phoenix Art Institute of New York City. He returned to Waco and began his career in the field of commercial art and advertising. In 1938 he and some his friends were asked by Elmer Wheatley to join her ball room dance class as partners for her female students. A pretty, redheaded, talented dancer captured his eye and his heart. Johnnie Lou Mitchell and Tommie were married June 21, 1940. June 21, 2011, they celebrated 71 years of marriage. Tommie enlisted in the US Army Air Corps July 27, 1942. He graduated from the OTC in Miami, and was a graduate of the Army Air Force Intelligence School and served on their faculty. He was commissioned as a captain, assigned to the 20th Air Force Intelligence Division, and served on Guam in the photo-intelligence division. Tommie was honorably discharged and returned to Waco in April, 1946, where he and Johnnie Lou made their home until the time of his death. He became an employee, and later partner in, Austin Engraving/Centex Advertising Company and Waco Graphic Arts Supply. In 1972 he joined the staff of Tom Padgitt's Photographic and Audio-Visual Store. He retired from Tom Padgitt's in 1990. Tommie taught photo-journalism at Baylor University in the night division from 1950-1984. Tommie joined Austin Avenue United Methodist Church as a teenager. He faithfully gave generously of his time and talents serving as a Sunday School teacher for all ages from the junior high level through adult classes. He served as lay leader and on many committees. He was always interested in studying the Bible and encouraging others in their faith. He faithfully kept a prayer list of concerns of family and friends. He never met a stranger and wanted to help others in any way he could. Tommie gave generously of his time and talents to the Waco Community. He was a 62 year member of the Waco Founders Lions Club serving in many areas including President 1962-1963. He was a member of the Baylor Retired Professors, the Waco Ad Club, and was instrumental in founding the Waco Camera Club. He served in leadership for United Way, Camp Fire Girls, Evangelia Center, American Red Cross and other civic organizations. Tommie was preceded in death by his parents Gertrude Florence Prinzing Suits and Thomas John Suits. In addition to his wife, Johnnie Lou, he is survived by his children, Julia Ann Suits Maher and husband, Michael J., of Pearland, Texas; Thomas John Suits, III, and wife, Jane Wood Suits, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his grandchildren, Rebecca Ann Maher Bentley and husband, Ward, Reverend Melissa Amy Maher, Emily Lynn Maher Harvison and husband, Jason, Dr. Michael James Maher, Justin Thomas Suits and wife, April, and Joelle Ivy Suits; and great grandchildren, Jackson Lee Harvison and Olivia Ann Harvison. The family would like to thank Dr. Ross Shipp, the entire staff of Ridgecrest Retirement and Health Care Center, Bluebonnet Home Health and Hospice, and many dear friends for their professional and compassionate love and care. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, 1300 Austin Avenue, Waco, Texas 76701 or Methodist Children's Home of Waco, 1111 Herring Avenue, Waco, Texas 76708. "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life . he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24 The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey