Palestine High School Alumni Association

03 / 03 / 1942  –  07 / 28 / 2016

Tommy Charles Cherry (Tom) went to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the age of 74. Tom was born in Temple, Texas, on March 3, 1942. He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy Boy and Ruby Dee Cherry, and son-in-law Philip Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Floy Dell Cherry, his children Cassie Page and husband Charles Page, Chad Cherry, Melanie Cantarella and husband John Cantarella, Kelley Davis, Allen Campbell and wife Vicki Campbell, grandchildren Bailey Salmon, Bryler Page, Cody Cantarella, Courtney Frisby, Chelsey Davis, Cassidy Davis, Nicklaus Davis, Cody Cannon, Kirby Cannon and Clint Cannon, great grand children Blair Cantarella, Olivia Frisby, Cooper Cannon, Clyde Cannnon, Hattie Cannon, Kaitlyn Cannon, and Carson Cannon.

Services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday August 3rd at First Baptist Church of Elkhart with Rev. Donnie Barron officiating. Interment will follow at Pilgrim Cemetery under the direction of Bailey and Foster Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are his loving grandsons Bailey Salmon, Bryler Page, Cody Cantarella, Nicklaus Davis and Sam Frisby, nephews Jeremy Cherry and Kris Cherry, cherished friends Johnnie Keeling, Kyle Lock and former student Richard Rutledge.

He completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 1966. Tom also completed his Master of Education degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 1971. He began his teaching career at Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas in 1968. After teaching in Houston for 2 years he moved home to his alma mater, Palestine High School to teach Agriscience. In 1972 he accepted a position at Elkhart High School as an Agriscience teacher where he stayed until retirement in 2001 at the age of 59 with a total of 35 years of teaching service.

Throughout his life, he has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Elkhart, The Elkhart Lions Club, Anderson County Youth Livestock Show Association, and United Church Charities. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Anderson County Medical Association. Mr. Cherry had a passion for life, career and people. In addition to his teaching duties, he sponsored the Elkhart chapter of Future Farmers of America for many years. He frequently assisted community members with any agriculture related problems. He organized the Lightning T. Trail Riders Association and was a member of the Trail Riders of the Bandera Hill Country. He loved to give back to those less fortunate. Never satisfying the desire to help others he attended 3 mission trips to Honduras, once as a dental assistant and twice to dig wells for fresh water.

Tom C. Cherry, was many things to many people. He was a loyal friend, advisor to many, brother, husband, grandfather, father and a man of honor. He will truly be missed by all.

Condolence calls will be received from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at First Baptist Church Elkhart.

Memorials may be sent to: Tom Cherry Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/0 Commercial Bank of Texas, P.O. Box 427, Elkhart, Texas 75039.