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Kaye Crichlow
July 14, 2021
Every time I pull into my driveway I think of Tom. The Carmodys' have always been my fantasy family. I loved when he would play softball with me.
Lou Crocker
July 16, 2019
Still miss seeing him at Walgreens
Bob Marak
August 28, 2015
Remembering you and my mom and dad as beloved mentors.
Anne Carmody Pugh
July 19, 2015
Missing you...
anne carmody pugh
January 7, 2013
Happy Birthday Daddy
I have tried to recall my earliest memories of you, and I have flashes of things that may be real memories or perhaps created in my mind due to photographs that I have seen. There is a photo of our family taken at our house on Gladstone. Anthony was a newborn and I was a chubby toddler with bangs. In this photo I am being held by you. I love this picture, and the comfort I feel now, knowing that I was secure in your arms.
As a father to us all, you were busy. Running a business and then coming home to be pecked mercilessly by your brood. I learned so many things from you, none of the lessons mastered to date, but I am trying.
I recall being about 6 years old and a whole bunch of us were in the driveway, you were preparing a ski rope so I assume we were heading to Cross Lake or maybe Lake Ouachita. You had a lighter and were melting the frayed end of a plastic rope. You told us to get back, I remember that, but I didn't. Sure enough a drop of hot plastic dripped off and landed on the top of my bare foot. Yes, it hurt and you had every right to be angry with me but along with the stern reminder to listen to you, I was carried into the kitchen and tended to by you. I have a scar on my foot that reminds me sometimes lessons are painful.
I learned how to water (and snow) ski under your guidance. I clearly remember the sometimes stern instruction to “hang onto the rope”, “bend your knees” and “don't lean so far back or too far forward”. How many times did you have to say this? To me? To each one of us? We all learned to ski. I learned from you that persistence pays off, do not give up.
Thank you for being a parent and letting me know you were disappointed in me when I did something stupid or foolish. Speeding tickets. Spray painting something in the driveway and the white spray paint being blown onto the black limousine comes to mind. Crashing your new Lincoln into the tree at the Quinn's house. Oh believe me, I know I could go on with this one but I think these make the point. Your disappointment did not take away your love.
I recall being in high school and trying to sneak out of the house with a fair amount of make up on my face. Expecting an easy departure out of the front door, I heard a voice tell me to turn around just as my hand hit the door knob. With only a single comment of “go clean your face” you made your point and off went the excessive make up. Secretly I was happy you noticed and cared enough to make this point to me. Be yourself; let people know who you are from the inside because that is what ultimately matters. Thank you for reigning me in.
Headed off to Ole Miss at 18. The world was my oyster. Spoiled, unappreciative of the “things” I had. There was a point in my life that I said that those were the best two years of my life. I am thankful for my time there, and have many wonderful friends to this day, but the best part of the story is when I was told that I couldn't go back. As a parent I cannot imagine having to take away something from my child that meant so much to him or her, but you had to do it many times over. Thank you for helping me grow up and showing me that many times, doing the right thing is hard and it hurts.
You raised the bar for me. I began to realize that I am responsible for my own success and failures and you and mama did not owe me anything. My graduation from college. Thank you for making it important and letting me know how proud you were of me for finishing. Thank you for being there and smiling. Without having left Ole Miss I do not believe that I would have ever appreciated that time or truly understood the value of education.
Wings. Cliché maybe but true. I am sure that some of my decisions you questioned but your ability to not judge or criticize helped me grow and make my own adult mistakes.
Your notes. I have saved each and every, “love, Daddy” sticky note and treasure the longest one, “Merry Christmas, Love Daddy”. A man of few but very effective words.
Your respect for Mama. Never once have I heard you say ONE unkind or disparaging comment about Mama. You set very high standards, and I fail, but I will continue to try to live up to this.
Your Peace. Is that from genetics? Is that from Faith? I hope both, but I know no one else in this world who can maintain the calm that you have. Your ability to respond and not react is astounding.
Your tears. I have seen them a few times, not many, but they prove you are actually human. And they were surely warranted. Thank you for letting me see them.
Your love for us all. It is so obvious the love you have for me and my brothers and sisters. Perhaps the story is true, that you said you would never live the way MaMere and Paw Paw lived, with all the chaos and children and boots in the driveway. Maybe what you really meant was just the boots, because here we are today. And I cannot thank you enough for your gifts to me. You gave me the finest gifts I could ask for. Life, parents that love me and each other and siblings. So on your 80th birthday I will selfishly make a wish for me, many more years with you and Mama.
All my love,
Anne
January 7, 2012
July 30, 2012
Mrs Carmody, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Carmody. You are in my prayers and thoughts
lou crocker/
Margaret Tomlin
July 25, 2012
Dear Carmody family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and my heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Tom. He was my first cousin and I am sorry that I have not had the opportunity to know his children. Katherine, I know he will be missed by all.
Rebecca Byrd Bretz
July 25, 2012
Caroline, Please know I am thinking of you and your family upon the loss of your Dad. What a wonderful life and family continue as his legacy. My prayers for you all.
Ed McSweeney
July 25, 2012
Dear Carmody Family,
Deepest sympathy on your loss of Tom. We knew each other for decades over many and varied badminton tournaments. They were always hotly contested, and Tom was never less than a perfect sportsman and gentleman. It's hard to believe he's gone.
Sarie Joubert
July 22, 2012
Thomas Carmody represents a life well lived. Grace and Peace during this difficult time and happy memories.
Joyce Jones
July 22, 2012
Dear Carmody family: I was devastated to hear about Tom. He was such a wonderful person.It was such a privilege to call him my friend for many, many years. Although you'll all be so sad and miss him so terribly, I'm sure you'll have many memories to sustain you. I'm SO glad that I was able to talk to him on the phone about a month ago. Thank you Tom,Jr for helping him to call me. I'll never forget him, and I'll keep all of you in my prayers.
Edward Lanchantin
July 22, 2012
Elizabeth/Michael
You are in my prayers. What a wonderful life your Dad lived! I think I'll play a little badminton with my daughter this afternoon then take the family for a drive around town.
Amanda McKaughan
July 22, 2012
It has taken me a while to collect my feelings on our loss of Uncle Tom. He and I had a connection to a special haven. Fort Apache, the family farm in Kountze, TX exudes the presence of Uncle Tom. He gave endlessly to preserve the memories and maintain the upkeep of The Fort, not an easy task.
I will never forget the embarrassing event when my horse that was stabled there, climbed up onto the porch, unbeknownst to anyone, and fell through the weathered and rotten planks.
Uncle Tom without a sign of disgruntlement, quietly and patiently repaired the damage. He never shared the occurrence with anyone. I only discovered the not-so-funny story many years thereafter, once all could laugh and joke about the rediculousness of it.
I admired Uncle Tom for creating a huge, loving and considerate family.
Celeste Nash Backest
July 21, 2012
So sorry about Mr. Carmody. Truely a great man. Will be missed.
Mary Ann Bowles
July 21, 2012
Carmody Family, So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was the inspiration for my badminton career, letting me in the back door of the downtown YMCA to play, and I was just a beginning player back in the late 60's. It was always a pleasure to see him at tournaments. When my mother passed away in 2009, who should be at the funeral home but Tom and Joe Averett? My prayers are with all of you, and I know Tom is already on court in heaven!
Daddy and his brood
anne carmody pugh
July 21, 2012
Jason Fairchild
July 21, 2012
Thomas, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mark Christopher Pizzolato
July 21, 2012
What a nice guy, Mr.Carmody.They just don't make them like him anymore,so sorry to hear of his passing. God bless The Carmody Family.
Debbie Roeten
July 21, 2012
Michael, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Praying for you and your family.
Al Sanderlin
July 20, 2012
Katherine,
God bless you in the loss of Tom. He was a friend of mine. I know he is with our Lord. Love Al
July 20, 2012
I regret that I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Carmody but I can say without any reservation or hesitation that this fine family has been truly blessed by God to have such love and support from so many near and far. It is indicative of the work that has been done by Mr. Carmody and his legacy will live forever in your hearts and those he touched. It truly touched my heart to witness how graceful and genuinely kind Mrs. Carmody and her children were Even in the most trying times when it would be very much expected and understood, they displayed a strength and resilence that only God himself could have constructed. To the Carmody family, and especially to Mrs. Carmody, it was truly an honor to serve your family who has freely given so much to this community. I say Thank you. In the days ahead, when the flowers start to wilt and the vistits slow, and the phone fails to ring, is when you will need each other the most. Continue to take care of each other and may God continue to bless each of you hence now and forever Amen.
Kelly Deupree
July 20, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with y'all. Your father left a great legacy. Take care and God Bless.
Georgia Booras (Stephenson Floors)
July 20, 2012
Josephine, I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family. May his memory be eternal.
Laura Boughton
July 20, 2012
I spent so much time at the Carmody house when I was in high school. Some of my best memories there were spent chatting with Mr. Carmody in the den. He never seemed to be in a hurry or mind that we would disturb a quiet moment of newspaper reading. Nor did he seem to lose his patience with news of car wrecks or Saturday detention at SVA. I remember this and so much more every time I pass that house. Much peace and love to all of this amazing family.
Jill and Ian Marshall
July 20, 2012
Margaret,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. He sounds like a wonderful man. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan Phillips-Powers
July 20, 2012
Mr. Carmody always reminded me of my maternal grandfather. They both were
kind, gentle, loving men. Such men are rare, and those of us who were fortunate enough to know them were blessed.
david becken
July 20, 2012
The first time I ever saw a family work the way a family should work, was c. 1978, on an early visit to 1090. I learned a lot, just by observing the activity in that house. Most of my high school memories somehow lead back to that place. I wasn't always invited, but I always felt welcomed. Mr. and Mrs. C. are not only important pillars of their family, but also for all of us who had the privilege of being included along the way, in whatever way that happened. Nothing will be a better tribute to Mr. Carmody than the number of people who are truly affected by his passing. I am a small fraction of that number, and though I am a thousand miles away, today, I am with my old and fondly-remembered friends. My thoughts are with you all, and my sincere sympathy comes your way.
Perry Pernici
July 20, 2012
To the Carmody Family.My heart goes out to each of you.But I would never forgive myself if I didn't tell you all how much your Husband,Father,Grandfather,and my Friend meant to me and my family.As some may know,I owned a restaurant called Zia Maria's just a few blocks from the Carmody house.And in the beginning it was tough.Mr.Carmody had come in a few times with his friend,Mr.Sullivan and eventually his Family.Then one month we had a write-up in the Forum Magazine and the next day after it came out i had lines out the door.A month goes by when my Aunt Mary wanted to introduce to someone from the Forum,and after thanking them for writing such a nice article,the lady says"don't thank me,thank Tom Carmody,he's the one who suggested we try this little hole in the wall Italin Restaurant on Capt.Shreve when we bumped into him a couple months ago."And you know,next time he was in I thanked him for it,and he said"oh they probaly got me mixed up with someone else."Then he winked and put his arm around me and told me keep doing what you do,and everything will be alright.And so for the next 12 years or so,Mr.Carmody and the rest of his clan patronized my place almost on a weekly basis,sometimes twice,and it was him and his family that got the ball rolling for Zia's, and I will never ever forget it.What wonderful memories!What a wonderful man.HE will be truly missed.God Bless all of you.
George and Delores Tiller NeJame
July 19, 2012
Dear Carmody,
Such a Gentle Giant of a godly man, Tom will be remembered always. Know that each of you are in our prayers during the days ahead. Love in Christ- George and Delores Tiller NeJame
Mary Ann Tice
July 19, 2012
Dearest Carmody Family,
Mr. Carmody was a blessing and a delight to all who knew him. I know I was truly blessed to have known him. His kindness and gentle manner will remain in my heart forever. He was a complete and shining example of a gentleman. I am honored, blessed and forever grateful Big Tom Carmody graced my life. I am so sorry for your loss.
In Christ's Love,
Neal Woodall
July 19, 2012
I am so sorry for your family's loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers, take care of each other and God bless you all.
July 19, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. Love and peace to all of you. You are all in my prayers.
Pat Graham (Mrs. John); Houston, TX
July 19, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. We extend our deep and sincere sympathy.
Terry and Henry Cowen
Kaye Crichlow
July 19, 2012
I have so many wonderful memories of the Carmody family from my home on Albert. They were newly weds, when my folks were and I remember so well, Big Tom playing soft ball with me in the evenings...he was a great pitcher...and of "Little katherine running home to Daddy when he would pull in the drive way...her blonde hair flying...thrilled her Daddy was home...Your family has always been an inspiration to me and I know that it was Tom's influence that got Scott into Georgetown...the Steinwinders and Crichlows will always be grateful for that. Know you are in my heart and prayers as you grieve.
Tim and Jiska Ford
July 19, 2012
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie Allor
July 19, 2012
What a beautiful example Mr. Carmody was as a Christian, husband and father. I know that God is saying to him now "Well done my good and faithful servant". How blessed are we to have known him and your entire family. May God be with you all. Thank you Mrs. Carmody for your beautiful Christian example as well.
Love and prayers to you all.
Malissa Colbert DeBosier
July 19, 2012
Dear Carmody family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have wonderful memories of days at the house and at Lake Ouachita. Your father was a great man and will be missed by so many people. I so wish I could be there, but I am in Canada and wont be able to make it. I will be thinking of you all and sending prayers your way. Love, Malissa
Teresa Barbour Willcox
July 19, 2012
What a beautiful tribute to such a noble man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. As a member of one of the few large Catholic families in Shreveport, your family has always had the respect and admiration of my dear parents as well as myself. You are a beautiful family. God bless you in your time of loss.
July 19, 2012
To all of us who loved my Uncle Tom, Please keep the Carmody family in your prayers.
Ma'Lise and Pedro Gonzales
July 19, 2012
Dearest Carmody Family:The Henry and Lynette Burns Family sends their sincerest condolences to the Carmody Family, who has always been a signature family for N.W.Louisiana.I can remember the name Carmody, while growing up in Shongaloo from News reports and reading the sports pages. I actually did an oil&gas venture with Mr. Carmody. I then got to know him as a truly great person through my wife and Billy Montgomery. Lynette was also his legislative assistant. Next I share a friendship with his son Thomas who is in a business club with me, BEI and currently serve with Thomas in the La.House of Rep.'s. You can tell alot about a man by the life and contributions of his children. Mr. Carmody left a legacy of honor and family that is mirrored in his children. It will certainly be said," Well done my good and faithful servant." Henry and Lynette Burns and Family
Jeanette Edmiston
July 19, 2012
Thomas - I am so sorry for your loss. I know how special your dad was to you and your family. My love and prayers are with each of you during this time.
April Hyder
July 19, 2012
My condolences to the Carmody family. I lived down the street from Thomas Jr for years. God Bless you.
Marjorie Briley
July 19, 2012
A beautiful truibute to a man who touched so may lives. Our prayers are with the Carmody's for their loss. We are thinking of you.
Marjorie and Kevin
Allen Richardson
July 19, 2012
Elizabeth - I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please let your mother know that you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. Many fond memories of your Dad and life on the duck pond, football in the front yard, Penny and the list goes on and on. He was a good man. Sincerely, Allen
Julie Zaffater
July 19, 2012
Dear Carmody family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The wonderful memories of your Dad will keep him alive in your hearts.
Anne Carmody Pugh
July 19, 2012
Beautifully written by my brother Michael. Impossible task to attempt to capture the essence of our father in a column. How thankful we are for the love and support of our family and friends. He was a treasure we had to share. He always saw the good in everyone. His friends came from every walk of life.i never knew him to be judgemental of anyone. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who set the bar remarkably high. We can only strive to make him proud by following his lead. Much love to you all.
Bob and Martha Marak
July 19, 2012
In the 16 years I knew Tom, I never met a man so generous and loved by so many. It is a great loss to the commmunity and his large, extended family where he served as the strong, moral, caring leader. Martha and I will miss Tom dearly.
Allen & Elaine Broussard
July 19, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cammy Baer
July 19, 2012
Dear Aunt Katherine and Carmody Cousins,
Please know how very sorry I am for your loss. I have such fond memories of Uncle Tom and his beautiful, fun loving clan. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you in the next days, weeks and months to come. Prayers for God's Perfect Peace!
Love to all, Cammy McMahon Baer
Cheryl Crain
July 19, 2012
Mr. Carmody was a very fine man. I had so much fun playing badminton with him at LSUS and appreciated all his help at the tournaments. He will be missed by many. My condolences to the Carmody family.
Betsy D artois
July 19, 2012
thinking of you and yours God bless
Susan Poindexter
July 19, 2012
Our prayers are with The Carmody family. Mr. Carmody was an wonderful man and an example of faith. He always remembered you even if it had been years since he had seen you. God Bless you all. Margaret and Susan Poindexter
Wade and Sharon McNicoll
July 19, 2012
Prayers for Tom and his loving family. We will miss our conversations with him after Mass.
Margo Mcmahon Fochler
July 18, 2012
It's surreal when someone so dear and special to us and so full of love and life passes on. No doubt Tom Carmody will be greatly missed by so many. What a special and fine person. I pray you feel his presence and care which he showed so obviously on this earth. Such a proud family man. Dave McMahon has another outlaw to enjoy the view with from above now. Please accept my deepest condolences all you beautiful Carmodys! Much love, Margo
Margo Mcmahon Fochler
July 18, 2012
It's surreal when someone so dear and special to us and so full of love and life passes on. No doubt Tom Carmody will be greatly missed by so many. What a special and fine person. I pray you feel his presence and care which he showed so obviously on this earth. Such a proud family man. Dave McMahon has another outlaw to enjoy the view with from above now. Please accept my deepest condolences all you beautiful Carmodys! Much love, Margo
Deana Luebbert
July 18, 2012
God Bless the Carmodys. A wonderful, beautiful family! Sending you all Hugs and Prayers and thinking of you dearly during this time of your loss.
Lilli Phelan Bean
July 18, 2012
My heart is broken. Katherine picked such a wonderful person to add to our family as another brother. Love and peace and gratitude for Tom's life and love.
Sarah Tyler
July 18, 2012
I will miss Uncle Tom and his kind disposition and smile. He so loved and enjoyed you all! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Sarah
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