Tommy Cabaniss
Charles Thomas “Tommy” Cabaniss, 73, of Texarkana, AR passed away peacefully on Saturday July 29, 2017 surrounded by his daughters. Tommy was born February 14, 1944 in Bingen, AR and grew up in Nashville, AR.
Tommy was a retired Certified Public Accountant. He graduated from Nashville High School and North Texas State University where he graduated in the top of his class. Tommy began his career in Texarkana with the Thomas and Thomas, CPA Firm. He then worked for McMillin Construction for over 25 years. Tommy was deeply involved in various community organizations including the Texarkana Jaycees in which he served numerous positions including President 1971-1972. He also enjoyed his involvement with Ducks Unlimited in which he served as the State Chairperson. In later years, he became an Arkansas Certified Master Gardener and was a weekly volunteer at the local Gateway Farmers Market. Tommy also enjoyed officiating high school football for many years.
One of Tommy’s greatest passions was serving as a political consultant to many local and state office holders in Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi. Tommy worked on every campaign with passion, drive and dedication. He continued to serve those he helped get elected as an advisor, listening board and always as a friend. Tommy’s love of the electoral process was not his only call to serve as he was always abreast of local, state and national politics and issues that affected the community. He was never shy about offering his opinion, taking on controversial issues and protecting those who needed a voice.
Tommy was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Smith, his parents George Elbert Cabaniss and Viola Belle Griffith, his brothers Wayne Cabaniss, Dean Cabaniss and J.D. Schott.
Tommy is survived by his daughters Kimberly (Carl) LaRosa of Pass Christian, MS, Kerry (Paul) Lion of Pass Christian, MS, Karen (Jay) Funderburk of Pass Christian, MS, Amanda (Brandon) Cabaniss-Rogers of Little Rock, AR and Jacquelyn Smith of Austin, Texas, his brothers George (Glenda) Cabaniss, Harold (Alcie) Griffith and sisters Nancy (Waylon deceased) Wallis, and Cathy (Charles) Wolf.
Tommy had 11 grandchildren Sara Ashton LaRosa, Abby LaRosa, Jessica (Brad) Gross, Courtney Caldarelli, Garrett Caldarelli, Amber Funderburk, Morgan Funderburk, Jay Mason Funderburk, Lola Belle Rogers, Luna Rogers, Phoenix Rogers and one great grandchild Cooper Gross.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 pm Tuesday August 1, 2017, in the chapel of Texarkana Funeral Home in Texarkana, AR. The family will receive friends before the service from 4:30 pm to 6 pm in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers that donations be made to Texarkana Hospice 2407 Galleria Oaks Drive Texarkana, TX 75503 or to the charity of your choice.