ALEXANDER — Thomas Newton Olive,

70, of Alexander, Ark.,passed away March 23, 2020. He was born August 24, 1949 in England, Ark., to the late Ralph Cullum Olive and Earnesteen (Hixon) Olive Watts.

Tommy proudly served in the United States Marines and the United States Army. During his military service he was a Purple Heart recipient and awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with One Star, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Tommy owned several successful service stations and towing services including Metro Towing and Recovery. He lived for his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them, picking them up from school, spoiling them with whatever they wanted and being Papaw T to everyone they knew. Family was important to him and he would drop everything to help them and looked forward to their dinners every Friday night. Tommy never met a stranger; he would talk to everyone he met and loved to talk about the “good ole days” racing at the dirt track.

Preceding Tommy in death are his parents; brothers and sisters; and three nephews.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his son Jeffery Olive and wife Anna of Alexander, Arkansas; son Samuel Olive of Bryant, Ark.; two grandsons who were his best friends Chase and Tripp Olive; granddaughter Natalie Olive-Ray (Michael) of Bryant, Ark.; great-grandson, Michael Jeremiah Arthur Ray; sister-in-law of 65 years, Sarah Olive of Woodson, Ark.; nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will hold private graveside service with military honors and will have public memorial at a later date. Graveside service will be available on Facebook Live at Smith-Benton Funeral Home April 2 at 2 p.m.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.