His mother was Clara Louise (nee Sing) Pounders from Ripley, MS.
Louise Sing was the daughter of Jessie Jones (mother) and Jim Sing (father). Louise had a sister Gertrude and I will continue the search for more.
His father was Thomas Nathaniel Pounders from Eudora, Desoto County, MS. Thomas had siblings and I can only remember Emory Pounders at present, but will do more research.
Tommy had one sibling, John Pounders, known affectionately by his friends and family as "Bubba" or "Poppy".
Tommy graduated from Hughes High School, Hughes AR in May 1955. Tommy attended community college for one year, but I will need to determine when and where.
Tommy was married to Hazel Dean Presley in 9 MAY 1959 while he was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Nuremburg Germany. Tommy and Hazel had two children during their first marriage to each other. They divorced 17 SEP 1965 and remarried 1 April 1966; divorcing the second time on 22 NOV 1967.
Tommy enlisted in the US Army in December 1955. Tommy attended The Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker AL and completed Recon Hel Mech school, as an E-1, 23 June 1956, Methods Instruction 16 July 1956 and completed NCO Academy, 7th Army, 1960. Tommy became a helo pilot 3 March 1960, single engine pilot on 29 September 1961 and multi-engine pilot 25 May 1962. (side note: his second child was born 21 May!)
Tommy became a Sergeant/Spec 5 on 22 April 1963 in Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, Vietnam. From 1962-1964 Tommy served under General Westmoreland's leadership.
During his service in Vietnam, he earned The Air Medal on 16 April 1963. Tommy earned his Air Medal as he flew 100 missions between 17 October 1962 and 13 November 1962. The medal certificate was signed by GEN James F. Collins, US Army Commander in Chief, and Cyrus Vance, Secretary of the Army. I have the black and white photo of Tommy being presented the medal and shaking GEN Westmoreland's hand.
Tommy told his daughter that while flying in a bad zone, his co-pilot had been shot and killed, but he kept flying. The family lived in Memphis, TN and welcomed dad into their family when he came back to the states.
While working on his helicopter in Vietnam, Tommy lost the final joint of the pinky finger to a Jesus nut incident. The "Jesus nut" is the nut that keeps the rotor mounted to the helicopter. As he explained, "if you don't have the Jesus nut, you are going to meet Jesus really soon".
Tommy also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/3 knots, AFEXPM (Vietnam) Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert (Rifle) Marksman (Carbine), Letter of Appreciation 10 February 1961, and Driver Badge w/Mech Bar.
Tommy flew the UH-1B Huey with the first rocket system and the Widowmaker.
After leaving the U.S. Army with an Honorable Discharge 5 June 1964, Tommy worked for American Greetings in Osceola, Arkansas for 30 years as the Chief Environmental Engineer. He spent many hours in Little Rock, Arkansas working with legislators on environmental issues. While working for American Greetings in Osceola, AR, he had a mechanical/medical mishap. His thumb was caught in the belt of a machine, thus picking his entire body up and flipping him over, stripping his thumb of all meat and muscle. He is listed in the NE Journal of Medicine as the doctors performed experimental treatment of his thumb. They grafted skin onto the bone and surgically inserted the thumb into his abdominal cavity to allow the skin to grow. The procedure worked and he had use of the thumb. It was a little different than a normal thumb as it did not have a fingernail and was a little "fat". But it worked!
Tommy was a member of the Osceola Kiwanis Club, South Mississippi County United Way Vice President and Campaign Chairman 1986-87, member of the American Legion and served as adjutant in 1972.
Tommy was a Master Mason Scottish Rite in the Southern Jurisdiction.
Tommy's daughter graduated Texas A&M University (non-reg) at which time, he attended the Final Review on Simpson Field at Texas A&M University May 1996. Tommy's daughter became a Volunteer Field Recruiter for USMA West Point 2012. Tommy's granddaughter graduated USMA West Point. He missed the West Point graduation but hopefully was smiling from Heaven.
Tommy remarried several times after his two marriages and two divorces to Hazel. In the 1980s, he was married to Phyllis; it was a good marriage and his final marriage. Phyllis had a daughter from a previous relationship, Lisa Wade. Tommy raised her as he would have his own children. Lisa married and at Tommy's death, had one male child.
In the late 1990s, Tommy had medical difficulties with his colon and died from Pancreatic Cancer, most likely caused from exposure to Agent Orange. Tommy also was troubled with PTSD from his service in Vietnam and struggled with alcohol addiction after returning from Vietnam.
Sometime prior to Tommy's passing, his will was re-written. The will was re-written with two years of his passing and at that time, had early onset dementia. The will stated that Tommy's son and daughter from his first wife, Hazel, were not his legal children and that he left them nothing. It is true that Tommy's first wife, Hazel, had his legal rights as a father, terminated between 1969 and 1971.
It is my understanding that John Pounders, Tommy's brother, went to Tommy's home and threatened him, thus under duress, and wrongly influenced Tommy to sign the termination papers of parental rights to his two children with Hazel. This information was from Hazel directly to their daughter in the year 2020; this is not hear say.
Tommy sent child support checks prior to termination of his parental rights and Hazel would not cash them. The terms for child support are in the divorce papers.
When Hazel remarried in 4 DEC 1972, she had her second husband, James Dixon "Jim" Brinkley, legally adopt Tommy's biological children, document dated 15 AUG 1974. Hazel did this to block Tommy from taking the children from her. Since the termination was created under duress, the adoption is legally null and void. Hazel did not realize that her then current husband, the step-father, Jim, could do the same legal move of taking the children from her. Then, Jim and Hazel decided to have a life of their own without children, and Eack and Ethel Presley became legal guardians to Tommy's two children with Hazel in 1975.
Add another twist, Hazel, after the two bitter divorces with Tommy, not allowing Tommy to having any interaction with the children, trying to have him classified as crazy after returning from Vietnam by the local doctor back in the 1960s and then terminating his rights , she chose to attend his funeral with his daughter and granddaughter. Why? Was she trying to verify he was really dead? I hope she was praying for forgiveness at the funeral.
Hazel never allowed Tommy to come and see his two children after the second divorce from 1969 forward. In 1989, Tommy's biological daughter made a call to his home in Osceola, Arkansas to reunite. There were many visits and calls, which also resulted in Tommy reuniting with his biological son. Tommy was a good person and would have been a good father to his two children, had Hazel not interfered. Not having Tommy as their father in their childhood years was damaging to his children.
After hospitalization at the VA Hospital in Knoxville, TN, Tommy was under the care of St. Mary's Medical Center/Hospice and was brought home to Osceola, AR for burial.
Tommy was honored during the service at the cemetery with a single jet fly over.
Tommy has a soldier's marker. It is not evident from the grave marker, as so many soldiers' markers do not reflect their accomplishments and who they were, so I have attached a photo of his medal box in which to honor him.
I consider my dad a hero and national treasure. Hooah Dad! Well done!
Source: Suzanne E Presley, personal and family knowledge, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, adoption and legal guardian papers, will, Power of Attorney, US military records and death certificate.
Find A Grave Memorial #69092849 THOMAS WAYNE "Tommy" POUNDERS was originally created 29 APR 2011 by Jean Avery Feaster, transferred to and maintained by Suzanne E Presley, daughter, since 7 NOV 2012.
Last update 30 JAN 2022
Louise Sing was the daughter of Jessie Jones (mother) and Jim Sing (father). Louise had a sister Gertrude and I will continue the search for more.
His father was Thomas Nathaniel Pounders from Eudora, Desoto County, MS. Thomas had siblings and I can only remember Emory Pounders at present, but will do more research.
Tommy had one sibling, John Pounders, known affectionately by his friends and family as "Bubba" or "Poppy".
Tommy graduated from Hughes High School, Hughes AR in May 1955. Tommy attended community college for one year, but I will need to determine when and where.
Tommy was married to Hazel Dean Presley in 9 MAY 1959 while he was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Nuremburg Germany. Tommy and Hazel had two children during their first marriage to each other. They divorced 17 SEP 1965 and remarried 1 April 1966; divorcing the second time on 22 NOV 1967.
Tommy enlisted in the US Army in December 1955. Tommy attended The Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker AL and completed Recon Hel Mech school, as an E-1, 23 June 1956, Methods Instruction 16 July 1956 and completed NCO Academy, 7th Army, 1960. Tommy became a helo pilot 3 March 1960, single engine pilot on 29 September 1961 and multi-engine pilot 25 May 1962. (side note: his second child was born 21 May!)
Tommy became a Sergeant/Spec 5 on 22 April 1963 in Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, Vietnam. From 1962-1964 Tommy served under General Westmoreland's leadership.
During his service in Vietnam, he earned The Air Medal on 16 April 1963. Tommy earned his Air Medal as he flew 100 missions between 17 October 1962 and 13 November 1962. The medal certificate was signed by GEN James F. Collins, US Army Commander in Chief, and Cyrus Vance, Secretary of the Army. I have the black and white photo of Tommy being presented the medal and shaking GEN Westmoreland's hand.
Tommy told his daughter that while flying in a bad zone, his co-pilot had been shot and killed, but he kept flying. The family lived in Memphis, TN and welcomed dad into their family when he came back to the states.
While working on his helicopter in Vietnam, Tommy lost the final joint of the pinky finger to a Jesus nut incident. The "Jesus nut" is the nut that keeps the rotor mounted to the helicopter. As he explained, "if you don't have the Jesus nut, you are going to meet Jesus really soon".
Tommy also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/3 knots, AFEXPM (Vietnam) Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert (Rifle) Marksman (Carbine), Letter of Appreciation 10 February 1961, and Driver Badge w/Mech Bar.
Tommy flew the UH-1B Huey with the first rocket system and the Widowmaker.
After leaving the U.S. Army with an Honorable Discharge 5 June 1964, Tommy worked for American Greetings in Osceola, Arkansas for 30 years as the Chief Environmental Engineer. He spent many hours in Little Rock, Arkansas working with legislators on environmental issues. While working for American Greetings in Osceola, AR, he had a mechanical/medical mishap. His thumb was caught in the belt of a machine, thus picking his entire body up and flipping him over, stripping his thumb of all meat and muscle. He is listed in the NE Journal of Medicine as the doctors performed experimental treatment of his thumb. They grafted skin onto the bone and surgically inserted the thumb into his abdominal cavity to allow the skin to grow. The procedure worked and he had use of the thumb. It was a little different than a normal thumb as it did not have a fingernail and was a little "fat". But it worked!
Tommy was a member of the Osceola Kiwanis Club, South Mississippi County United Way Vice President and Campaign Chairman 1986-87, member of the American Legion and served as adjutant in 1972.
Tommy was a Master Mason Scottish Rite in the Southern Jurisdiction.
Tommy's daughter graduated Texas A&M University (non-reg) at which time, he attended the Final Review on Simpson Field at Texas A&M University May 1996. Tommy's daughter became a Volunteer Field Recruiter for USMA West Point 2012. Tommy's granddaughter graduated USMA West Point. He missed the West Point graduation but hopefully was smiling from Heaven.
Tommy remarried several times after his two marriages and two divorces to Hazel. In the 1980s, he was married to Phyllis; it was a good marriage and his final marriage. Phyllis had a daughter from a previous relationship, Lisa Wade. Tommy raised her as he would have his own children. Lisa married and at Tommy's death, had one male child.
In the late 1990s, Tommy had medical difficulties with his colon and died from Pancreatic Cancer, most likely caused from exposure to Agent Orange. Tommy also was troubled with PTSD from his service in Vietnam and struggled with alcohol addiction after returning from Vietnam.
Sometime prior to Tommy's passing, his will was re-written. The will was re-written with two years of his passing and at that time, had early onset dementia. The will stated that Tommy's son and daughter from his first wife, Hazel, were not his legal children and that he left them nothing. It is true that Tommy's first wife, Hazel, had his legal rights as a father, terminated between 1969 and 1971.
It is my understanding that John Pounders, Tommy's brother, went to Tommy's home and threatened him, thus under duress, and wrongly influenced Tommy to sign the termination papers of parental rights to his two children with Hazel. This information was from Hazel directly to their daughter in the year 2020; this is not hear say.
Tommy sent child support checks prior to termination of his parental rights and Hazel would not cash them. The terms for child support are in the divorce papers.
When Hazel remarried in 4 DEC 1972, she had her second husband, James Dixon "Jim" Brinkley, legally adopt Tommy's biological children, document dated 15 AUG 1974. Hazel did this to block Tommy from taking the children from her. Since the termination was created under duress, the adoption is legally null and void. Hazel did not realize that her then current husband, the step-father, Jim, could do the same legal move of taking the children from her. Then, Jim and Hazel decided to have a life of their own without children, and Eack and Ethel Presley became legal guardians to Tommy's two children with Hazel in 1975.
Add another twist, Hazel, after the two bitter divorces with Tommy, not allowing Tommy to having any interaction with the children, trying to have him classified as crazy after returning from Vietnam by the local doctor back in the 1960s and then terminating his rights , she chose to attend his funeral with his daughter and granddaughter. Why? Was she trying to verify he was really dead? I hope she was praying for forgiveness at the funeral.
Hazel never allowed Tommy to come and see his two children after the second divorce from 1969 forward. In 1989, Tommy's biological daughter made a call to his home in Osceola, Arkansas to reunite. There were many visits and calls, which also resulted in Tommy reuniting with his biological son. Tommy was a good person and would have been a good father to his two children, had Hazel not interfered. Not having Tommy as their father in their childhood years was damaging to his children.
After hospitalization at the VA Hospital in Knoxville, TN, Tommy was under the care of St. Mary's Medical Center/Hospice and was brought home to Osceola, AR for burial.
Tommy was honored during the service at the cemetery with a single jet fly over.
Tommy has a soldier's marker. It is not evident from the grave marker, as so many soldiers' markers do not reflect their accomplishments and who they were, so I have attached a photo of his medal box in which to honor him.
I consider my dad a hero and national treasure. Hooah Dad! Well done!
Source: Suzanne E Presley, personal and family knowledge, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, adoption and legal guardian papers, will, Power of Attorney, US military records and death certificate.
Find A Grave Memorial #69092849 THOMAS WAYNE "Tommy" POUNDERS was originally created 29 APR 2011 by Jean Avery Feaster, transferred to and maintained by Suzanne E Presley, daughter, since 7 NOV 2012.
Last update 30 JAN 2022
His mother was Clara Louise (nee Sing) Pounders from Ripley, MS.
Louise Sing was the daughter of Jessie Jones (mother) and Jim Sing (father). Louise had a sister Gertrude and I will continue the search for more.
His father was Thomas Nathaniel Pounders from Eudora, Desoto County, MS. Thomas had siblings and I can only remember Emory Pounders at present, but will do more research.
Tommy had one sibling, John Pounders, known affectionately by his friends and family as "Bubba" or "Poppy".
Tommy graduated from Hughes High School, Hughes AR in May 1955. Tommy attended community college for one year, but I will need to determine when and where.
Tommy was married to Hazel Dean Presley in 9 MAY 1959 while he was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Nuremburg Germany. Tommy and Hazel had two children during their first marriage to each other. They divorced 17 SEP 1965 and remarried 1 April 1966; divorcing the second time on 22 NOV 1967.
Tommy enlisted in the US Army in December 1955. Tommy attended The Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker AL and completed Recon Hel Mech school, as an E-1, 23 June 1956, Methods Instruction 16 July 1956 and completed NCO Academy, 7th Army, 1960. Tommy became a helo pilot 3 March 1960, single engine pilot on 29 September 1961 and multi-engine pilot 25 May 1962. (side note: his second child was born 21 May!)
Tommy became a Sergeant/Spec 5 on 22 April 1963 in Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, Vietnam. From 1962-1964 Tommy served under General Westmoreland's leadership.
During his service in Vietnam, he earned The Air Medal on 16 April 1963. Tommy earned his Air Medal as he flew 100 missions between 17 October 1962 and 13 November 1962. The medal certificate was signed by GEN James F. Collins, US Army Commander in Chief, and Cyrus Vance, Secretary of the Army. I have the black and white photo of Tommy being presented the medal and shaking GEN Westmoreland's hand.
Tommy told his daughter that while flying in a bad zone, his co-pilot had been shot and killed, but he kept flying. The family lived in Memphis, TN and welcomed dad into their family when he came back to the states.
While working on his helicopter in Vietnam, Tommy lost the final joint of the pinky finger to a Jesus nut incident. The "Jesus nut" is the nut that keeps the rotor mounted to the helicopter. As he explained, "if you don't have the Jesus nut, you are going to meet Jesus really soon".
Tommy also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/3 knots, AFEXPM (Vietnam) Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert (Rifle) Marksman (Carbine), Letter of Appreciation 10 February 1961, and Driver Badge w/Mech Bar.
Tommy flew the UH-1B Huey with the first rocket system and the Widowmaker.
After leaving the U.S. Army with an Honorable Discharge 5 June 1964, Tommy worked for American Greetings in Osceola, Arkansas for 30 years as the Chief Environmental Engineer. He spent many hours in Little Rock, Arkansas working with legislators on environmental issues. While working for American Greetings in Osceola, AR, he had a mechanical/medical mishap. His thumb was caught in the belt of a machine, thus picking his entire body up and flipping him over, stripping his thumb of all meat and muscle. He is listed in the NE Journal of Medicine as the doctors performed experimental treatment of his thumb. They grafted skin onto the bone and surgically inserted the thumb into his abdominal cavity to allow the skin to grow. The procedure worked and he had use of the thumb. It was a little different than a normal thumb as it did not have a fingernail and was a little "fat". But it worked!
Tommy was a member of the Osceola Kiwanis Club, South Mississippi County United Way Vice President and Campaign Chairman 1986-87, member of the American Legion and served as adjutant in 1972.
Tommy was a Master Mason Scottish Rite in the Southern Jurisdiction.
Tommy's daughter graduated Texas A&M University (non-reg) at which time, he attended the Final Review on Simpson Field at Texas A&M University May 1996. Tommy's daughter became a Volunteer Field Recruiter for USMA West Point 2012. Tommy's granddaughter graduated USMA West Point. He missed the West Point graduation but hopefully was smiling from Heaven.
Tommy remarried several times after his two marriages and two divorces to Hazel. In the 1980s, he was married to Phyllis; it was a good marriage and his final marriage. Phyllis had a daughter from a previous relationship, Lisa Wade. Tommy raised her as he would have his own children. Lisa married and at Tommy's death, had one male child.
In the late 1990s, Tommy had medical difficulties with his colon and died from Pancreatic Cancer, most likely caused from exposure to Agent Orange. Tommy also was troubled with PTSD from his service in Vietnam and struggled with alcohol addiction after returning from Vietnam.
Sometime prior to Tommy's passing, his will was re-written. The will was re-written with two years of his passing and at that time, had early onset dementia. The will stated that Tommy's son and daughter from his first wife, Hazel, were not his legal children and that he left them nothing. It is true that Tommy's first wife, Hazel, had his legal rights as a father, terminated between 1969 and 1971.
It is my understanding that John Pounders, Tommy's brother, went to Tommy's home and threatened him, thus under duress, and wrongly influenced Tommy to sign the termination papers of parental rights to his two children with Hazel. This information was from Hazel directly to their daughter in the year 2020; this is not hear say.
Tommy sent child support checks prior to termination of his parental rights and Hazel would not cash them. The terms for child support are in the divorce papers.
When Hazel remarried in 4 DEC 1972, she had her second husband, James Dixon "Jim" Brinkley, legally adopt Tommy's biological children, document dated 15 AUG 1974. Hazel did this to block Tommy from taking the children from her. Since the termination was created under duress, the adoption is legally null and void. Hazel did not realize that her then current husband, the step-father, Jim, could do the same legal move of taking the children from her. Then, Jim and Hazel decided to have a life of their own without children, and Eack and Ethel Presley became legal guardians to Tommy's two children with Hazel in 1975.
Add another twist, Hazel, after the two bitter divorces with Tommy, not allowing Tommy to having any interaction with the children, trying to have him classified as crazy after returning from Vietnam by the local doctor back in the 1960s and then terminating his rights , she chose to attend his funeral with his daughter and granddaughter. Why? Was she trying to verify he was really dead? I hope she was praying for forgiveness at the funeral.
Hazel never allowed Tommy to come and see his two children after the second divorce from 1969 forward. In 1989, Tommy's biological daughter made a call to his home in Osceola, Arkansas to reunite. There were many visits and calls, which also resulted in Tommy reuniting with his biological son. Tommy was a good person and would have been a good father to his two children, had Hazel not interfered. Not having Tommy as their father in their childhood years was damaging to his children.
After hospitalization at the VA Hospital in Knoxville, TN, Tommy was under the care of St. Mary's Medical Center/Hospice and was brought home to Osceola, AR for burial.
Tommy was honored during the service at the cemetery with a single jet fly over.
Tommy has a soldier's marker. It is not evident from the grave marker, as so many soldiers' markers do not reflect their accomplishments and who they were, so I have attached a photo of his medal box in which to honor him.
I consider my dad a hero and national treasure. Hooah Dad! Well done!
Source: Suzanne E Presley, personal and family knowledge, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, adoption and legal guardian papers, will, Power of Attorney, US military records and death certificate.
Find A Grave Memorial #69092849 THOMAS WAYNE "Tommy" POUNDERS was originally created 29 APR 2011 by Jean Avery Feaster, transferred to and maintained by Suzanne E Presley, daughter, since 7 NOV 2012.
Last update 30 JAN 2022
Louise Sing was the daughter of Jessie Jones (mother) and Jim Sing (father). Louise had a sister Gertrude and I will continue the search for more.
His father was Thomas Nathaniel Pounders from Eudora, Desoto County, MS. Thomas had siblings and I can only remember Emory Pounders at present, but will do more research.
Tommy had one sibling, John Pounders, known affectionately by his friends and family as "Bubba" or "Poppy".
Tommy graduated from Hughes High School, Hughes AR in May 1955. Tommy attended community college for one year, but I will need to determine when and where.
Tommy was married to Hazel Dean Presley in 9 MAY 1959 while he was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Nuremburg Germany. Tommy and Hazel had two children during their first marriage to each other. They divorced 17 SEP 1965 and remarried 1 April 1966; divorcing the second time on 22 NOV 1967.
Tommy enlisted in the US Army in December 1955. Tommy attended The Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker AL and completed Recon Hel Mech school, as an E-1, 23 June 1956, Methods Instruction 16 July 1956 and completed NCO Academy, 7th Army, 1960. Tommy became a helo pilot 3 March 1960, single engine pilot on 29 September 1961 and multi-engine pilot 25 May 1962. (side note: his second child was born 21 May!)
Tommy became a Sergeant/Spec 5 on 22 April 1963 in Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, Vietnam. From 1962-1964 Tommy served under General Westmoreland's leadership.
During his service in Vietnam, he earned The Air Medal on 16 April 1963. Tommy earned his Air Medal as he flew 100 missions between 17 October 1962 and 13 November 1962. The medal certificate was signed by GEN James F. Collins, US Army Commander in Chief, and Cyrus Vance, Secretary of the Army. I have the black and white photo of Tommy being presented the medal and shaking GEN Westmoreland's hand.
Tommy told his daughter that while flying in a bad zone, his co-pilot had been shot and killed, but he kept flying. The family lived in Memphis, TN and welcomed dad into their family when he came back to the states.
While working on his helicopter in Vietnam, Tommy lost the final joint of the pinky finger to a Jesus nut incident. The "Jesus nut" is the nut that keeps the rotor mounted to the helicopter. As he explained, "if you don't have the Jesus nut, you are going to meet Jesus really soon".
Tommy also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/3 knots, AFEXPM (Vietnam) Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert (Rifle) Marksman (Carbine), Letter of Appreciation 10 February 1961, and Driver Badge w/Mech Bar.
Tommy flew the UH-1B Huey with the first rocket system and the Widowmaker.
After leaving the U.S. Army with an Honorable Discharge 5 June 1964, Tommy worked for American Greetings in Osceola, Arkansas for 30 years as the Chief Environmental Engineer. He spent many hours in Little Rock, Arkansas working with legislators on environmental issues. While working for American Greetings in Osceola, AR, he had a mechanical/medical mishap. His thumb was caught in the belt of a machine, thus picking his entire body up and flipping him over, stripping his thumb of all meat and muscle. He is listed in the NE Journal of Medicine as the doctors performed experimental treatment of his thumb. They grafted skin onto the bone and surgically inserted the thumb into his abdominal cavity to allow the skin to grow. The procedure worked and he had use of the thumb. It was a little different than a normal thumb as it did not have a fingernail and was a little "fat". But it worked!
Tommy was a member of the Osceola Kiwanis Club, South Mississippi County United Way Vice President and Campaign Chairman 1986-87, member of the American Legion and served as adjutant in 1972.
Tommy was a Master Mason Scottish Rite in the Southern Jurisdiction.
Tommy's daughter graduated Texas A&M University (non-reg) at which time, he attended the Final Review on Simpson Field at Texas A&M University May 1996. Tommy's daughter became a Volunteer Field Recruiter for USMA West Point 2012. Tommy's granddaughter graduated USMA West Point. He missed the West Point graduation but hopefully was smiling from Heaven.
Tommy remarried several times after his two marriages and two divorces to Hazel. In the 1980s, he was married to Phyllis; it was a good marriage and his final marriage. Phyllis had a daughter from a previous relationship, Lisa Wade. Tommy raised her as he would have his own children. Lisa married and at Tommy's death, had one male child.
In the late 1990s, Tommy had medical difficulties with his colon and died from Pancreatic Cancer, most likely caused from exposure to Agent Orange. Tommy also was troubled with PTSD from his service in Vietnam and struggled with alcohol addiction after returning from Vietnam.
Sometime prior to Tommy's passing, his will was re-written. The will was re-written with two years of his passing and at that time, had early onset dementia. The will stated that Tommy's son and daughter from his first wife, Hazel, were not his legal children and that he left them nothing. It is true that Tommy's first wife, Hazel, had his legal rights as a father, terminated between 1969 and 1971.
It is my understanding that John Pounders, Tommy's brother, went to Tommy's home and threatened him, thus under duress, and wrongly influenced Tommy to sign the termination papers of parental rights to his two children with Hazel. This information was from Hazel directly to their daughter in the year 2020; this is not hear say.
Tommy sent child support checks prior to termination of his parental rights and Hazel would not cash them. The terms for child support are in the divorce papers.
When Hazel remarried in 4 DEC 1972, she had her second husband, James Dixon "Jim" Brinkley, legally adopt Tommy's biological children, document dated 15 AUG 1974. Hazel did this to block Tommy from taking the children from her. Since the termination was created under duress, the adoption is legally null and void. Hazel did not realize that her then current husband, the step-father, Jim, could do the same legal move of taking the children from her. Then, Jim and Hazel decided to have a life of their own without children, and Eack and Ethel Presley became legal guardians to Tommy's two children with Hazel in 1975.
Add another twist, Hazel, after the two bitter divorces with Tommy, not allowing Tommy to having any interaction with the children, trying to have him classified as crazy after returning from Vietnam by the local doctor back in the 1960s and then terminating his rights , she chose to attend his funeral with his daughter and granddaughter. Why? Was she trying to verify he was really dead? I hope she was praying for forgiveness at the funeral.
Hazel never allowed Tommy to come and see his two children after the second divorce from 1969 forward. In 1989, Tommy's biological daughter made a call to his home in Osceola, Arkansas to reunite. There were many visits and calls, which also resulted in Tommy reuniting with his biological son. Tommy was a good person and would have been a good father to his two children, had Hazel not interfered. Not having Tommy as their father in their childhood years was damaging to his children.
After hospitalization at the VA Hospital in Knoxville, TN, Tommy was under the care of St. Mary's Medical Center/Hospice and was brought home to Osceola, AR for burial.
Tommy was honored during the service at the cemetery with a single jet fly over.
Tommy has a soldier's marker. It is not evident from the grave marker, as so many soldiers' markers do not reflect their accomplishments and who they were, so I have attached a photo of his medal box in which to honor him.
I consider my dad a hero and national treasure. Hooah Dad! Well done!
Source: Suzanne E Presley, personal and family knowledge, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, adoption and legal guardian papers, will, Power of Attorney, US military records and death certificate.
Find A Grave Memorial #69092849 THOMAS WAYNE "Tommy" POUNDERS was originally created 29 APR 2011 by Jean Avery Feaster, transferred to and maintained by Suzanne E Presley, daughter, since 7 NOV 2012.
Last update 30 JAN 2022
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