of Marianna, AR
December 17, 1934 - October 10, 2025
Thomas Hottel Gist, Jr., successful Lee County farmer, businessman and community leader, passed away on October 10, 2025 in Marianna, Arkansas. He was born December 17, 1934 in Helena, Arkansas to the late Jessamine Daggett and Thomas Hottel Gist, Sr.
A lifelong resident of Marianna, Tom grew up with his sister, Jessamine and parents on their family farm in Lee County, working as a young man with his father. During high school he was named the 1950 National Corn Growing Champion. After graduating from T. A. Futrall High School in 1952, he attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Columbia University in New York and Mississippi State in Starkville, receiving a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Agriculture in 1957. During his college years, he was President of Sigma Chi Fraternity, President of Alpha Zeta Agriculture Honor Society and Blue Key Honor Society.
Tom returned to Marianna after college, dedicating himself to growing the family farm and a family of his own. He was respected for his farming success and humility and was featured in a 1997 Wall Street Journal article for his use of technology in modern farming.
He was appointed to many boards of directors including Farmland Industries in Kansas City, Mississippi Chemical in Yazoo City, Riceland Foods in Stuttgart, Southern Farmers Association in Little Rock, Farm Credit Banks of St. Louis (Chairman), Mid-South Farm Credit in Jonesboro, First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas Advisory Board, Tri-County Farmers Cooperative in Brinkley, Helena Cotton Oil Mill, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, Lee County Grain Dryer, Farmers and Merchants Bank of Eastern Arkansas, Lee-Phillips Drainage District and Larkin Creek Drainage District. Tom also served as President of Farm Bureau and Manager of Lee Phillips Co-op Gin.
In 2002, Mr. Gist was honored as an inductee into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. And beginning in 2004, he was elected Justice of the Peace for the Lee County Quorum Court, serving the citizens of Lee County for many years.
Tom was a faithful, active member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Marianna where he was Sr. Warden, member of the Vestry and a Eucharistic Visitor. He was a passionate Razorback fan, avid duck hunter and co-founder of the Dutch Slough Hunting Club, a golfer and an enthusiastic collector of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and classic antique cars. Tom held a private pilot license and enjoyed flying to distant board meetings and Razorback games as well as to monitor his fields from above.
Tom Gist was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Natalie Scarborough Gist and former wife, Sylvia Rousseau. He is survived by daughters, Sydney Gist White (Rick) of Stuttgart and Lisa Gist Robertson (Kirk) of McLean, VA and sons, Trey Gist (Laura) of Little Rock and Johnny McManus (Lori) of Jackson, TN. Grandchildren include Lindsey White Smith, Jennifer White, Blake, Carter and Kendall Robertson, Taylor McManus and Collins Gist. Great-Grandchildren are Blakeleigh and Josie Smith. They will miss their ''Grandad'' who taught them about humility, love of the land and God and learning from mistakes.
A graveside service will be held at Marianna Memorial Park Cemetery on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Father Travis Frank will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Arkansas Community Foundation, Gist Family Endowment, 5 Allied Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202 or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 241 Marianna, Arkansas 72360.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Family and friends may view and sign online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna
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16 Condolence(s)
Clay Rowe
Friday, October 31, 2025
As long as I can remember, Mr. Gist sat two rows in front of my brother and I at every LR Razorback game at War Memorial. We experienced the good and not so good times together with Mr.
Jimmy (row 27) as we listened to his passionate Razorback wisdom.
Trey and I met and became friends in the early 2000's. Only then did I learn I already knew his Dad, Mr. Gist.
I always enjoyed when Trey invited me for weekends at the family farm. We would dove hunt and fly in his plane. The Marilyn Monroe room is my favorite at the lake house. Well, and everyone loves Tom's Nut House!
Mr. Gist was larger than life in person and stature. When he spoke, we all listened. He will be greatly missed.
Mandy and I send so much love to the Gist family.
Clay Rowe
Audrey Powell
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Trey, Laura, and Collins--I've heard you speak of Tom so many times, but I never knew the extent of his many years of farming. What a wonderful legacy he has left! You are in my thoughts and prayers through this time of grief. I wish I had met him.
Shirley Williams Thorn
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Gist family and friends, Sincere Condolences to you. Praying for comfort, strength, today and the days ahead. He will be missed in his community, near and far.
Bliss Hicky
Friday, October 17, 2025
I grew up in the Episcopal Church in Marianna, knowing Tom. He was a true southern gentleman and a real mentor to many young men. He certainly leaves a wonderful legacy to his family.
Kenneth Stringer
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Prayers going up for your family
Patricia Palmer
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Uncle Tommy was so good and kind to all of his family and many friends. His smile was welcoming and warm and generous. I will remember him that way.
Bobby & Carolyn Wright
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Mr Tom was one of the kindest men we’ve ever met. Enjoyed the times we spent with him while visiting our daughter Traci . Thank you Tom for looking after and loving our daughter and Chance. We are so thankful for your friendship. Rest In Love Mr Tom.
Amy Daggett Myren
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Wish I had been able to spend some time with Tom in later years. It appears he had a wonderful and productive life. I loved his parents and “Little” Jessamine.
Amy Culpepper Landreneau
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the Gist family on the loss of amazing Uncle Tom. I fondly remember spending time with he & Natalie at the farm, flying overhead with the land laid out like a beautiful patchwork quilt with Uncle Tom at the controls, and seeing him here in Baton Rouge every other year at our tailgate for Arkansas vs LSU games! May he live on in the hearts of those he loved so dearly, and may you find comfort in joyful memories of time spent together. Our deepest sympathy, Amy, Claire (Nathan), Caroline & Lex Landreneau
Ginny Sisk
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Uncle Tommy was the best godfather , my daughter Shea could ever have had. Every Sunday he saved her a seat next to him at church. He was a fine man, a great friend . We will miss him.
Kathi Walker
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
I pray that God comforts you, as only He can. I am very proud to say, Mr. Tom was a very special man. Always honest, always kind and helpful to those in need.
Kathy Gage
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
So sorry to hear about your dad. Reading about him, what a wonderful life he had. Such beautiful memories he has left your family to cherish. You can be so thankful to be able to think of him and all those memories he left behind. My love and prayers r with u and your family at such a tough time. Love u all Kathy
Delina Smith foreman
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
It's a hard pill to swallow I'm gonna miss my friend so many times we stay in the road more than at home I love you my friend.
John Edwards
Monday, October 13, 2025
Tom was such a kind man and a true leader in his community. Peace and comfort to his family.
Patti
Monday, October 13, 2025
Prayers for you all. I loved your father and peace for you all. Hugs and prayers
Ann Ferrill
Monday, October 13, 2025
Tom was a special person.