Tom Norfleet

Thomas Leston Norfleet 1929 - 2015 Thomas Leston Norfleet, former Wacoan, peacefully passed away on Friday March 13, 2015, at the age of 85. Tom began his outstanding business career as a pivotal figure in the creation of untapped industries which up to that time did not truly exist, most notably through his efforts as co-founder and marketing vice-president of Waco based Word Records. Conceived in the late 1950s, the company grew to become the largest religious recording and publishing corporation in the world. Word Inc. is now a household name to many. In the 1960's, he engineered a repeat performance co-founding Success Motivation Institute, also with its home office in Waco. This pioneering effort firmly established the field of personal motivation and leadership development as a viable industry. SMI's preeminence is well recognized and still stands as an industry icon. During that time he also established a worldwide reputation as an inspirational speaker, trainer and motivator sharing the stage with the likes of Zig Ziglar and Norman Vincent Peale. After moving to Dallas in 1972, Tom started his own business-consulting firm, Tom Norfleet Enterprises. He was responsible for the creation and implementation of marketing strategies for fledging companies as well as long standing corporate giants. His integrity and innovative ability attracted such diverse clientele as Ralston-Purina, Humble Oil, Mayflower, Sprint, Excel Communications and the U.S. Air Force. His giving nature was reflected in many volunteer leadership roles including National Training Director for the United Way, Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, BBB, Lighthouse for the Blind as well as other Waco charities. He was always everybody's favorite Sunday school teacher, something he did throughout his life. He headed the Married Young People department for many years at 7th & James Baptist church. Tom was born in 1929 to Leston and Lucy Norfleet in Nashville. After settling in Fort Worth he worked as a printer for his father during high school. He graduated Baylor University in 1950 and completed 3 years of post-graduate study at Southwestern Seminary, while marrying Eunice Rae Webb in 1951. He received early exposure and recognition as a speaker and fundraiser through his work with national youth revivals. He is remembered by his family as a loving father and husband, but he is most appreciated for his stellar parenting skills and prioritizing family time. In short, Tom was an exceedingly smart, creative, goal-directed achiever and family man whose many business and civic accomplishments never foreshadowed his benevolent and forgiving spirit And doubtless, he was one of the greatest salesmen in the world. His wife, Eunice, survives him after 63 years of marriage with three sons, Webb, Blain, Greg and his sister Mary Ann Key of Ft. Worth. He was blessed with numerous and joyful nieces, grand and great-grandchildren who love him dearly. "Special thanks to Dr.Michael Highbaugh and Broadmore Medical Lodge for their professional competence, time and kindness during this difficult time." Memorials may be made to Key School Financial Aid Box 100668 Ft. Worth TX 76185. His memorial service will be at Park Cities Baptist Church 3933 Northwest Parkway Dallas TX 75225 214 860-1500 at 3:00pm Saturday, March 21st.