Tommy Rajis Joseph Gaspard

WEST MEMPHIS, AR

- Tommy Rajis Joseph Gaspard, 71, of West Memphis AR, passed away Friday, 10 February 2023 at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife, Hyong Tok (Sue) Gaspard, West Memphis AR, two sons Tony Gaspard (Rhonda), Lakeland, TN, and Robert Gaspard (Melanie) and 3 Grandchildren Jackson Gaspard (19), Gretta Gaspard (17) and Lawson Gaspard (14).

Tommy was born in Pineville, Louisiana on October 5, 1951. He was the oldest child of Harris Gaspard and Grace Aymond. At the age 17, during the height of the Vietnam War, Tommy left high school and entered the United States Army on October 11, 1968. He served honorably for 20 years and retired with a rank of Sargent First Class (E-7). He met his beloved wife “Sue” while on deployment in Korea and said that it was love at first sight. Throughout their 51 years of marriage, they lived in various locations all over the world, including Germany, South Korea, Louisiana, Washington, Montana before retiring and settling down in West Memphis AR.

He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, a man who would give his shirt for a friend.

He was a good father who always sacrificed for his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, and a loving “Pop” to his 3 grandchildren.

Tommy exemplified the Army Slogan of Duty and Self Sacrifice. He was a strong, proud, and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many!

All are welcome for visitation to take place at Canale Funeral Directors, 2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis TN, 38112, on February 21, 2023 at 12:00PM CST, with a celebration of life to follow at 1:00PM CST.

A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will take place at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis TN 38125, on February 21, 2023 at 2:30PM CST