The Lord called home one of His angels today. Tommy Andrew Standridge, Jr. passed away on December 11, 2008 after a brief illness.
Tommy was born to Tommy A. Standridge, Sr. and Sandra E. Standridge in Commerce, Georgia on March 25, 1960. He attended Lexington High School in Lexington, South Carolina, as well as Palmetto Military Academy, Limestone University, and Trident Technical College.
Tommy served his country honorably in the Signal Corps of the South Carolina Army National Guard. He began his service in 1979, accepted a commission as an officer in 1983, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2000. During his time in the Guard, he served tours of duty in such places as Honduras, South Korea, and Belize. Tommy was well respected by the men he served under and commanded. He remembered this time in his life fondly and it was the source of many wonderful stories of his experiences.
After returning from the military, Tommy was employed by the City of Beaumont as a Communications Manager for seven years. He worked for the City up until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Terry Standridge of Sour Lake; sons, 1st Lieutenant Joshua Standridge and Matthew Scott Standridge; brothers, Robert Standridge of South Carolina and Russell Standridge of Crystal Beach, Texas.
Tommy will be warmly remembered by his friends and family as the eternal optimist. He was always upbeat, ready to help in any way, and loved to have fun. He was a wonderful father, husband, co-worker, and friend. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2008 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin. A gathering of family and friends will be 2:00-5:00 p.m., Sunday, December 14, 2008.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Virginia, 22038.
