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Tommy Starr Shrum, aged 80, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born on Thursday, September 24, 1942, at Pryor, Oklahoma, to Julian Curtis and Roma Jean Holt Shrum. Tom was united in marriage with Mary Reed on October 4, 1985, and became a family with her son, Travis Reed. That family included his children, Todd and Cindy; and later their grandchildren. Tom was co-owner of Madison County Telephone and Cable Company, which his parents purchased in 1957. He also served in many ways for the Arkansas Telephone Association as a member and where he made many lifelong friends. Tom was also a farmer for 30 years and took great pride in the family farm that he worked. He and Mary found joy in their travels over the years, with their most cherished trips being those shared with their grandchildren skiing and beach vacations with family and friends. Tom took pride in his Cherokee Indian heritage and enjoyed sharing it with others through his Indian Card. Tom had an incredible love for people, and people loved him in return. He also had a unique sense of humor, often teasing his loved ones, which was his way of showing affection, and had the best belly laugh! He was known to give nicknames to his friends and loved ones. When asked what he wanted said in his obituary, he said laughing, "Tell them I'm dead and I’m not coming back!" That was Tom. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Roma Jean Shrum, as well as his daughter, Cindy Jackson, and son, Todd Shrum. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Shrum, of the home and his legacy continues through his son and daughter-in-law, Travis and Jennifer Reed, of Fayetteville, and seven cherished grandchildren, Slater Shrum, Cutter Shrum, Taylor Shrum, Tasha Jackson, Hunter Reed, Spencer Reed, and Grace Reed. Tom also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Claudette Shrum, of Huntsville; his many dear friends, and his adored dogs, Belle and Sadie. Tom will be remembered and missed. We will hold his memory in our hearts. He was so loved. Tom was special. At the root of grief is love, and love heals all. A memorial service to celebrate Tom's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Brashears Funeral Home, with Robert Trinkle and Travis Dotson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations in Tom's name be made to The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (myasthenia.org). Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

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Tom Shrum

September 24, 1942 - September 16, 2023