Thomas James “Tom” Stripling, 78, of Beaumont, died Monday, December 8, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Beaumont, he was born on August 26, 1936, to Willie Valda Cariker Stripling and Bonnie Duke Stripling.

After graduating from Beaumont High School, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in Okinawa, Japan. After his service, he came back and joined his father in the lumber business that his father started in 1949. In the 60’s, Tom started a general contracting business, Stripling Construction, and recently retired.

He was a member of the Jaycees, a charter member of the Gateway Optimists Club, 32nd degree Mason, Monarch of the Cashan Grotto at the age of 28. He was informed by the National Headquarters that he was the youngest monarch in history of the organization (which was formed in 1701). Tom served in the Grotto Marching and Motor patrol. He was a member of the Shriners and Jesters and served in the Shriner Marching Patrol. He also served on the Boy’s Haven and Cardinal Club Board.

He joined the YMBL in 1962 and served on their board for 10 years, holding such titles as Past President, 1st Vice President, 3rd Vice President and Treasurer. He chaired the South Texas State Fair, Rodeo, and the 1st Bruce Lietzke Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament. He also chaired the Girl’s Volley Tournament, the Lamar Scholarship, and the Boy’s Basketball Tournament. Tom served on the livestock committee of the South Texas State Fair. He was a past president of the YMBL Key Men’s Club. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He also served on the Go-Texan Committee for Jefferson County, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Co-chaired the Barbecue Cook-off representing Jefferson County at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and as President and Treasurer of a homeowner’s association for several years.

Tom loved people and stayed actively involved in the lives of his family and friends. He was always there for his wife and children in their times of need. Whether he was killing mice, fixing their cars, or building their homes, he always worked hard at it and was a perfectionist. He was a master builder and skilled handyman. Tom passed down to his children so much of his wisdom such as, money management and math skills, business knowledge, and life lessons on how to be independent and self-sufficient. Although he was known for being stern and strict, he was a prankster and comedian at heart! He loved to entertain! Tom also loved to keep busy, loved adventure, to travel, and was a daredevil. His charm and wit will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Georgianna Teel Stripling; daughters, Elizabeth Stripling Hill and her husband, John, of San Antonio and Connie Kuykendall of The Woodlands; son, Guy Stripling and his wife, Nancy, of Magnolia; grandchildren, Thomas Stripling and his wife, Sarah, Daniel Stripling, Rachael Stripling, Ryan Kuykendall, and Whitney Kuykendall; and great-granddaughter, Lillian Stripling.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Lee and Grady Stripling.

A gathering of Mr. Stripling’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm, Friday, December 12, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Mission Fund, 3650 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.