Thomas " Tommy" Lee Johns passed away Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, at the age of 87.Tommy was the youngest of 8 brothers and sisters and had no shortage of stories about his upbringing in the town of Creal Springs, Illinois. Tommy joined the United States Navy in June of 1956 and was last assigned to the U.S.S. Halsey Powell. He was a proud member of The National Association of Destroyer Veterans, also known as the Tin Can Sailors. Upon his return, Tommy embarked on a career in hospitality working for both The University Club and Chase Park Plaza as a bartender where he made many lifelong friends. After his retirement, he continued bartending at The Dugout Lounge before officially retiring for the second time in 2014.
Of his many accomplishments in life, his greatest were becoming a father, and later a grandfather. Tommy's life was filled with an abundance of love for his family. He was an avid fisherman, storyteller, and passionate gardener. Tommy lived a simple life and loved nothing more than driving about town in his 2001 Ford Ranger, fishing with his family, catching up with old friends, eating spam sandwiches, and gardening with his grandchildren. In the last season of his life, Tommy proudly exclaimed his garden was the prettiest it had ever been, and his family would have to agree. Tommy will be dearly missed by his family and abundance of friends.
Tommy is survived by his Sons Donald Johns 64 of Marion Arkansas, Robert Norbury 60 of Troy, Grandchildren Joshua Norbury 34 of Troy, Caelyn Norbury 31 of Collinsville, Nikki Norbury 30 of Collinsville, Zoe Norbury 28 of Collinsville, as well as many family members and dear friends.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at County Line Cemetery in Creal Springs with the Rev.Gaylon Parks officiating. Cosby-Sloan Funeral Home of Creal Springs in charge of arrangements.
