of Lexa, AR
August 18, 1950 - June 28, 2025
William Thomas McAlexander, III (known far and wide as Tommy Mac or T-Mac) was born August 18, 1950, and as his precious Mom would always say, ''went to be with Jesus'' on June 28, 2025. Tommy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Bentley McAlexander, daughter, Jill McAlexander O'Briant, brother, Lance (Becky) McAlexander, 4 grandchildren, Maddie (18), Lucy (11), Huck (7), Dolly Kate (2), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Eulene McAlexander, and son-in-law, Kirk O'Briant.
Tommy boldly loved God, His Family, and His Country. When he was 11 years old, he accepted Jesus Christ into heart. Tommy was devoted to his Linda Gail for over 50 years and loved his family fiercely. He doted on them and spoiled them every chance he got. Tommy was an extremely hard worker all his life. Starting at age 12 he had a local paper route, followed by working at local grocery stores and businesses throughout school. Not long after graduating from Central High School in 1968, he enlisted in the National Guard of the United States. He proudly served the National Guard, as well as the United States Army, experiencing Vietnam firsthand. After serving his country, Tommy trained at Union Bale Chevrolet in Memphis, TN for auto body repair and went on to be employed at West Hornor Motor Company for several years. During those years, he achieved his Associate of Applied Science degree in welding by attending night classes at Phillips Community College. Tommy eventually made the daring decision to take on the adventure of being a self-made entrepreneur beginning with the construction of McAlexander's Auto Body Shop. Next, after being introduced to the cable and fiber optic world by his brother-in-law and good friend, Johnny Wolfe, he began one of his proudest accomplishments. Tommy and Johnny formed Wolfe/Mac Construction Company. For over 15 years, Wolfe/Mac constructed and serviced cable TV and fiber optic internet to the majority of the state of Arkansas, as well as parts of Mississippi and Louisiana. Following that impressive feat, Tommy had the bright idea he was going to sell some BBQ. In 2011, T'Mac's BBQ was born. For years locals of Phillips County and those traveling through enjoyed delicious BBQ, the perfect sauce, and entertainment from the founder himself; T-Mac.
When Tommy officially decided that 60+ years of hard work was quite enough, he happily retired to his favorite spot on LaTour Road. There he enjoyed tinkering in his shop, bird watching, reading old westerns, watching his favorite shows, listening to his favorite music, riding the golf cart with his Linda Gail around their property, and (most importantly) aggravating and keeping the grandchildren in some sort of line.
Tommy was direct, bold, and a man of his word. He meant what he said and said what he meant; no words were ever minced. He also had a mind like a steel trap; he never forgot anything…ever. This attribute came in very handy when offering a favorite quote, sharing a life lesson, and, of course, recounting a story. To put it lightly, Tommy was a character. He loved to laugh, and he loved to make people laugh. He never met a stranger and, as most know, he loved to tell a story. Most of them involved hunting, fishing, motorcycles, recipes, and adventures at his beloved Idlewild Hunting Club. Not only did Tommy have a story to tell but, more than likely every single person that met him, has an entertaining ''Tommy Mac'' story to share. Good or bad, amusing or serious, he left an everlasting impression on anyone in his path. Please keep sharing those ''Tommy Mac'' stories and keep them alive. They are absolutely a source of comfort and, of course, entertainment for all that hear them.
At the end of the day, Tommy's overall character can be summed up by his favorite quote and the one he lived by, (per his witty Dad): ''It's easier to get forgiveness, than it is permission''. (By all means, feel free to use it. Tommy would have loved that.)
A special thank you to Elite Hospice and our local VA clinic, especially Nancy Reeves for providing diligent care with VA appointments, medications, and paperwork.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 12th at Lexa Baptist Church. Visitation at 10, followed by the service at 11. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lexa Baptist church or your local humane society.
Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.
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Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR 72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com