TONTITOWN — Tommy Granata

was born July 13, 1955, in Fayetteville, Ark., to Buster and Lillian Granata of Tontitown and passed from this world Aug. 29, 2020, in Fayetteville surrounded by his wife, Mary Alice, and sons Greg and Brett.

A proud, lifelong resident of Tontitown, he graduated from Springdale High School and went on to play football at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. His love for his hometown prompted him to run for mayor and serve on the city council as well.

Tommy had many passions including bowling, hunting, and fishing, but his favorite thing was creating endless projects that he purposely would not finish, just to make sure he would have something to do the next day. His larger-than-life personality and infectious smile was sure to brighten the day of anyone who crossed his path.

The same goes for his love of people; he couldn’t wait to strike up a conversation to see how you were doing and was always eager to lend a helping hand in any way possible. Tommy always ended every conversation with “keep smiling.”

In 1985, he married Mary Alice Briggs, and they had two sons, Greg and Brett, who were his pride and joy. He was a loving husband, father, brother, son and uncle.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Buster and Lillian Granata, maternal grandparents Cel and Mary Cortiana and paternal grandparents John and Mary Granata.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice; sons Brett and Greg; brother Bobby Granata of Fayetteville; sisters Martha Pianalto, Carolyn Bowen and Darlene Johnston of Springdale; numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Harry Sbanotto Park in Tontitown (some chairs will be provided but guests are welcome to bring a lawn chair). Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cem- etery.

Tommy was passionate about preserving the history of Tontitown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tontitown Historical Museum, P.O. Box 144, Tontitown, Ark., 72770. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online obituary and guestbook at heritageofnwa.com .