Thomas “Tom” Eugene Lord, 79, of Ridgeland, formerly of Greenwood, passed away on Monday, Dec. 22, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Visitation was held from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at Williams & Lord Funeral Home and graveside services followed at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery in North Carrollton. Rev. Phillip Dearman officiated the services.
Tom was born on June 1, 1946, in Greenwood, to William David Lord, Sr. and Jane Crenshaw Lord. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and Delta State University. Tom was widely respected as the very definition of a southern
gentleman and was a proud lifelong resident of the state of Mississippi. He worked with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission throughout his distinguished
professional career and was
appointed by Governor Kirk Fordice to serve as executive director. Following his retirement, Tom returned to the “family business” serving as a funeral director. A devoted historian, Tom had a particular passion for Civil War history. He spent many weekends traveling the state
restoring headstones of Civil War soldiers, honoring their memory with care and reverence. Above all else, Tom’s greatest pride and joy were his three grandchildren. He cherished traveling with his
family, cooking and grilling meals for loved ones, and gathering friends and family around the table. He was a constant source of laughter and kindness to everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his daughters, Leila Johnson (David) of Austin, TX, and Jean Reid Goodwin (Jeff) of Madison, his grandchildren, Scarlett Johnson, Travis Johnson and Fletcher Goodwin, and his brothers, Bill Lord and Jimmy Lord of Carrollton, and many nieces and nephews. His love for his family was boundless and remains his greatest legacy.
Pallbearers were Warren Long, Joseph W. Cooper, Jimmy Dozier, Fletcher Goodwin, Travis Johnson, Jeff Goodwin, and David Johnson.
Memorials may be made to Broadmeadow United Methodist Church, 4419, Broadmeadow Street, Jackson, MS 39206.
Williams & Lord Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.williamsandlord.com.
