
of Little Rock, AR
January 6, 2014
Tom McBee, 62 of Little Rock, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 6, 2014. He was born August 2, 1951 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He lived in Huntsville, Perryville, Flippin, Helena and most of his life in Warren and Little Rock, Arkansas. Tom graduated from Warren High School in 1970 and ASU Jonesboro with a BA degree in broadcasting in 1975. After college he worked at KATV Channel 7 as an audio booth announcer. He went into sales and was weekend weatherman during the late 70's and early 80's. He remained in broadcasting until 2005 and ended his career at Roller Funeral Homes as a prearrangement counsultant.
Tom married Mary Catherine Huey on July 30, 1973. They were high school sweethearts and fell in love through their love of music. They sang in many stage shows, church choirs and dinner theater performances together.
Tom leaves behind memories of his musical talent, voice work talent, BBQ cooking skills, wit and humor and his love of God, his family and his many friends.
Tommy, Tom, Papa T, Uncle Tom, Uncle Mac, Big Tom and T-Boz are just a few of his special names. Tom McBee will live in our hearts forever.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sterling R. McBee, Sr. and father-in-law, Clint Huey.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine; mother, Della McBee; daughters: Carrie Ann McBee Savage and husband, Jeff and their children, Mason, Blaine and Evan; Martha Leah McBee Mann and husband, Nicholas and their children, Emma, Marlee and Eliza; son, Thomas Bradford McBee, Jr. (Tommy); mother-in-law, Martha Huey; sister, Charlotte Wilson and husband, Faron; Sterling McBee, Jr. and wife, Beth, Annette Langton and husband, Steve; John McBee and wife, Melissa; Pam Mowery and husband, Mike and Jacque Murphy and husband, Les; sister-in-laws, Martha Ann Sloan and husband, Steve; Thom Huey and wife, Mary; Frances Allen and husband, Wes; Liz Brazeel and husband, Danny and brother-in-law, Bill Huey and wife, Kim; nieces and nephews, Lori Aronovich; Robert McLoud, Kristin Weeks, Courtney Diciccio, John Brian McBee, Savanah McBee, Darcee Mowery, Dylan Mowery, Drew Todd, Haylen Murphy, Michael and Adam Burns, Jenna Sherrod, Wesley Allen, Amanda and Alex Huey, Audrey and Lane Brazeel and Hayden Huey.
Memorials may be made to the Broadcast and Choir Music Ministries of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 (501) 224-8300. Family will meet friends following the service.

Dearest McBee Family,
I will cherish my last memory of seeing "Tommy" give a weather broadcast on TV back in the day.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I just heard about Tom and would have attended his service if I had found out sooner. Tom you are a great guy and a great friend to me. I enjoyed all the times we had together at Clear Channel and will always remember you fondly. I'll never forget when you sang backup for me during my rendition of Proud Mary at the Christmas Party. May God bless you and your family.
With all my love, Rick Barrington

Mary Catherine;
Priscilla and I continue to pray for you. I enjoyed visiting over the phone with Tom the last couple of weeks. He will be missed by us all - such a special guy and friend. I regret that the ice prevented me from being there today.
Blessings,
Manuel

I always believe that some things are meant to be. Tom came into my life when we were both 12 years old, maybe he was 13... we just hit it off right away. From the first time I met him I liked him, and, I guess, as I look back, that in almost 50 years; I can't ever remember being mad at him; although we spent a lot of our life being close together. He was the Brother I never had and always wanted, although I had many brothers... our personalities, our talents, our interests were all the same; I guess you could say I always knew What he was thinking, as my Dad brought that to my attention once, and loved him just as much as I did; loved him like he was his own son. We both had kids, families, relationships and everything else that goes with Life, but in the end I realized that the times we had together were what mattered... both to him and to me. I believe Our Father allows us to be close to a few people in this Life, and You... Were That One To Me... I'll Miss You, My Friend... I'll See you again One Day, Tom.... Mac

Mary Catherine, Becky and I were so saddened to hear about Tom. Tom was one of those guys that I always loved to hang around with anytime I got the chance back in school days. He was always so nice and could always make me laugh. We loved to get him to talk in his radio voice even back then, a really great and fun person to be around. You and your family are in our prayers.

I am so sorry to hear about Tom. A lot of people came and went in the radio business in Pine Bluff, but Tom was as unforgettable as his voice and professionalism. He will surely be missed in the broadcasting industry. Heartfelt condolences go out to all of his family and friends.

We were so sorry to hear you lost Tom. He had a heart and personality as big as he was. I pray your wonderful memories will bring you joy and happiness in the days ahead.

Mary Catherine:
We are grieved to hear about Tom.
We remember so well how much your
family was enjoyed and loved when you
were Helena.
We send our sympathy and love to you and your
family and your Mother.
Al and Emma Lee Gordon

Our love and prayers go with you all. May God bless you with His peace which passes all understanding.

Dear Mary Catherine and family, My thoughts and Our Heavenly Father be with you all at this time.
Letricia Henry Callahan

RIP my radio brother!

I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

May God comfort your family during this time of your loss.. Prayers we send to each of you, for strength to hold one another together both physically and emotionally.... to be each others rock.... You're a wonderful, loving family, and everyone's kindness & smiles show just what an amazing family you are...
With Deepest Sympathy,
Bill,Michelle,Alexys,
Jordyn, and Kyhlee

Dear Mary Catherine and family, So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Reading of Tom's death brought back many fond memories of the good times we shared with the McBee family when we lived in Huntsville. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

May the God of comfort hold you all during this painful time.

Mary Catherine,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless all of you.

All of our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We love you all.
Matt & Julie Trucks


So sorry for the loss .He will be dearly missed.But now in God's hands with no more suffering.It's been some time past that I have visited with Tom, but he will all ways be in my heart forever.Remembering back to our younger years remembering the beautiful, amazing person he was. Always one of my greatest friends and class mate. Always with a smile and a great personality. All my love and prayers goes out to the family. With lots of great memories of TOMMY 's life and all that he has left behind for his family and friends . Family just remember that you were all loved and it will be so hard to go through this terrible time ,but God will see you through it. Just remember that he is in no more pain and suffering . Keeping you all in my prayers Love,Linda Reep.

Mary Catherine, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Mary Catherine and family,
I heard yesterday from Freeman Travis about Tom's passing. I had the privilege of working with Tom in the early 70's at KBTM am and FM...what a voice and what a great guy. I heard Richard Benson on KBFC in Forrest City this morning talking about Tom and his history with him at ASU. I called in and we talked for several minutes about our time working with Tom. I'd not been in contact with old "McBroom' of late but Freeman kept me pretty well up to date. I'm so sorry for your loss and you and your family are all in my prayers. He was one of the great ones! DR

Mary Catherine, I am so glad the 3 of us had the opportunity to visit 1 short month ago - I was meant to stop my car that day when I saw you putting up Christmas lights.!! Tom is now with all the other saints who have gone before us, including my dear sweet Ron, who are resting on high with our Father!!
Love,
Laura

What a great life Tom had to celebrate!! I'm so sorry for the loss felt by this great family....What a reunion it will be SOON for all !!! May God comfort you all at this sad time!!

Mary Catherine, we are heart broken to hear of Tom's passing. He was the most fun loving person I have ever met. Such good memories we have of spending time with you and Tom. All my love and prayers are with you.

Mary Catherine so sorry to hear about Tom we will all miss him. What a great guy. Our prayers are with you. Ted and Cindy

Tom crossed our path in the mid-1970s while attending ASU Jonesboro. As a Radio TV student and budding broadcaster, he spent many hours at KBTM AM & FM; on air in the studio, on location at countless live remote broadcasts, serving as Emcee for pageants, calling play-by-play football and basketball games at many northeast Arkansas high school football stadiums and gyms, and writing and producing hundreds of local radio ads. Over the course of our family’s thirty-five year ownership of those two radio stations in Jonesboro, we came in contact with hundreds of forgettable, un-professional radio “wanna-bes”. Tom, however, was one of the UN-forgettable pros who passed through those studios. To this day, we remember him fondly when recollecting memories of the radio business from that era. Some of those fond memories include (future wife) Mary Catherine, who was often by his side. We have a few pictures and even some 8mm film (converted to DVD) from that era and will be sure to send copies. From Jonesboro, we send thoughts and prayers to Mary Catherine and the many family members and relatives listed; all who must have contributed to and benefitted from their relation to or association with someone we recall as being a nice, professional guy.
Alan G. Patteson, Jr.
Guy Patteson III

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing! I first met Tom when I worked with him at KFFA Radio in Helena, Arkansas many, many years ago. He was a fun guy with a wonderful sense of humor! My thoughts and prayers are with the McBee family. May the Lord bless and Keep you in the hollow of his hand during this difficult time!

So sorry to hear about Tom. I will always cherish the great times we had together back in college, working together at KBTM and keeping in touch throughout the years. I'm praying for you and your family Mary Catherine.

Sending prayers of comfort and healing for your family during this time of grief and adjustment. May God hold each of you near.

I had an opportunity to meet Tom while working with Mary Catherine at Youth Home, Inc. I always had fun when Tom was around. He had a great sense of humor and was always a true gentleman. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I know that he loved Mary Catherine and his family with all of his heart. God has a new right hand man, who has a sparkle in his eye and a laugh on his lips.
God bless the McBees.

Just heard the sad news about Tom from my sister. So sorry for your loss - what a special guy he was! I'll never forget his amazing voice and his cooking skills. My sincere condolences to Mary Catherine and all the family!

Dear McBee Family, we were so sad to hear of the passing of Tommy..He was a nice youg man and I know will be missed in his family as well as his community.

It is so heartbreaking to fell the sad sense of lose of those that loved Mr.Tom or T-boz as my heartbroken son, Nicholas, called his father-in-law. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family on both sides that shared and have beautiful memories of Mr.Tom. We shared with Tom and Mary Catherine the birth and precious lives of our mutual granddaughters, Emma Leah, Marlee Jade and Eliza Kate. They dearly loved their Papa T.. Please, may they all forever keep him in their hearts.

M.C. and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Tom. He was one amazing man. Great husband, dad, grandfather, and friend. He will truly be missed and my prayers and condolences are with you and your whole family. I always cheerished the times and memories being around him and your family. Again I am truly sorry about your loss. Prayers and Love.

The science of genetics and DNA says Tom McBee lives on through his children. Although I knew back in the 1960's in Warren that the McBee family was musically gifted, I never heard Tom McBee sing -- but with that booming voice, he had to be a great singer. My thoughts are with his wife, the daughter of one of my mentors, and with her children.

What a voice! Tom was a broadcast mentor of mine before I ever knew the term. We worked together at KASU. He truly made a difference in those who knew him. Sincerest condolences to the family.

Mary Catherine and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Tom's death. Mary Catherine - know that you are stronger than you think and when the sadness becomes almost too much, you remember that smile and all of the wonderful, wonderful memories that you have to cherish!!

Mary Catherine and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Tom.
With thoughts of peace and courage,
Brooks, Stephani, Alex and Wes

Praying for the family!

I am so sorry about losing Tom. I'll always remember how wonderful it was to have the beautiful voices of Tom and Mary Catherine in our choir at First Methodist Church in Helena. He was a really fine person.

May God hold you and keep you during this very difficult period. We will miss Uncle Tom and will remember his warm heart and big smile. Love to all our Family!

My deepest condolences go out to the McBee family. I know it's a tough road ahead. You all are in my thoughts.

To the entire family (especially my classmate Pam): I was shocked and saddened upon reading today's obituary in the paper. Tom was a great person and I remember happy times I spent running from snakes on your family's farm in the 70's. May God give you peace during this time.

Keeping the Mcbee family in my prayers.

Our prayers are certainly lifted for your family, during this difficult time. May God's grace comfort you now and in the days ahead. In Christian love, David and Annette Rushing

So sorry for loss McBees. Bg Tom will be greatly missed

Dear Mary Catherine and all your family, I am so saddened for you all. He was such a good man, a fine friend, and I know beloved by all of you. I'm blessed to have seen Tom just in August and we had such a lovely visit. I will hold you all in my prayers that you may know God's love, Christ's peace, and the strong comfort of the Holy Spirit during these days, and always.
Grace and peace to you, Susie

To Mary Catherine and all of the McBee family:
Words cannot express my sadness at your loss. Tommy was an amazing, talented man and I know he will be missed by many. May God keep you close to Him and close to each other.
Sincerely, Karen Place

Big Tom will Always have a special place in my heart. He was always interested in my life, what my plans were, and where I was headed. He inspired me as much as well as kept me laughing! Some of our best times and conversations were spent over one of Big T's Special mixed drinks! Man could he knock you on your butt with one of those. So if you had the please to ever enjoy a drink or conversation with Tom McBee it always left an impression. Raise your glass and celebrate the great memories that many of us have shared with such a great man! Celebrate Big T!!! "Perry dog I love you man," said Tom. I can here him now! Watch over your family from heaven! We love you!

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

So very, very sorry to hear about Tom. What a great man he was and what a legacy he leaves! He was such a talented man and always had a smile. I was so blessed to know him. My thouhghts and prayers are with Mary Catherine and all the famiy. love yall!

Tom was a great guy. Always enjoyed being around him.

Mary Catherine & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. He was a great guy!

Thinking of you Mary Catherine and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers

Mary Catherine and family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Tom was a kind, gentle soul that was loved by everyone.

Mary Catherine,
I can not imagine what you are feeling. I am so sorry for your loss. I know from my discussions with Mary that Tom was a very good man and will be sorely missed by all. My prayers and my family's prayers will continue to be with you.
My God continue to be with you,
Ruth

So sorry for your loss. You and your family will be on our thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy & Wanda Harris
Norman & Sylvia Kulbeth

We are very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great man and always welcomed anyone with open arms. He will definitely be missed! If y'all need anything, please let us know. We love y'all!

Mary Katherine and the rest of the family I am so sorry for your loss.

Prayers of comfort May The Lord Hold You During This Time of Great Loss And Give You Peace That Only Comes From Him

Our thoughts and prayers are with you..

Are hearts are heavy for your loss. May God wrap each of you in his loving arms.Are thought and prayers are with you.

Mary Catherine & family - so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We have many fond memories of him and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

I am very sorry for your family's loss!!!! You are in my prayers!!!!

Sorry for your loss Tommy

Mary Catherine & Family so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom will keep you in our prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. James, Mary Helen and Phyllis Tillman

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Tommy was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. His beautiful voice will be a great addition to the Heavenly Choir.

I'm so sad to hear this news. He was such a funny sweet man! My prayers are with your family!

McBee and Huey families: what a sweet soul Heaven gained today. We are so very sorry for your loss and are sending prayers for comfort, for peace, and for strength.

So sorry to hear of uncle tom's passing....prayers fir the family. ..love you all!!÷

Dear Carrie Ann , Leigh , Mrs. Mary Catherine & Family:
I am truly very sorry for your loss but God has gained a wonderful man. Mr. Tommy will always be in the hearts of the community of Warren. He had remarkable talent that will never be forgotten.
God bless you all.
Kristi Gatling Russell

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, God bless

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was an outstanding musician and a really good guy. A lot of people will miss him.

Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Pray that God's strength and comfort will be with each one of you at this time

My prayer for healing hearts are with you all. Love and hugs!

Praying for you all. May your sadness be overshadowed by your loving, awesome, and wonderful memories of Tom. I know he is sitting at the feet of Jesus,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Heaven has gained another sweet spirit to sing with the angels. Prayers are with you all.

Mary Catherine, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Catherine we are so sorry to hear this sad news. Tom was one of the good guys. Always happy & smiling. You & the family are in our prayers. We love you.

May you be surrounded by God's love and care .

Sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in our prayers.

Uncle Tom,
I will never forget you, and will always think of you and the fun times that our family shared together. From the trips to the beach, the hangouts during the annual Pink Tomato Festival, to the tailgates at Razorback games, and everything in between, we have so many wonderful memories and you will be sorely missed. I wish that I would have had the chance to see you at Christmas, but I'll always cherish the last time that I got to hug your neck and kiss your cheek back in June.
I love you, and miss you already. You'll always live in my heart.
All my love...
Your niece,
Courtney

Very sorry for your loss. Tom was a man of many characters, very entertaining, and could light up a room with his humor, smile, song, or even just his presence. He will forever be remembered in our hearts. I pray The Lord will give each of you comfort during this difficult time and in the days ahead. We are never prepared to say good-bye to those we love, but I look forward to the day we will all unite again for an enormous celebration. I find comfort in knowing he was greeted by familiar faces today. May God embrace each of you with His love and may He give you peace each and everyday! Love to you all!

Prayer for your sweet family!

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you! Take comfort in knowing he is at peace, resting in the arms if The Lord!

My heart breaks for you guys. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love and many prayers for your family. I really loved Big Tom... He was one of a kind! :-)

May it be of some comfort to know all of you are in the thoughts and prayers of your many,many friends.
Tom will be missed dearly. Oh, how we loved Poppa T.

Mary and family,
I read with sadness of the loss of Tom. Please know you have my deepest condolences. Although there are no words that can take away the pain that is felt over your loss, remember nothing, not even death, can take away the special memories you’ve shared together. May the sadness that you feel be comforted by your many cherished memories and the warmth of family and friends. Please remember that you can always lean on your Heavenly Father for support. He is a comforter of all those who mourn. In His Word the Bible, He tells us to throw all our anxiety upon Him, because He cares for us, 1Peter 5:7. Isaiah 41:10. He also tells us of a brighter future when our loved ones will awake from their restful sleep to enjoy life in paradise. John 11:11; John 6:40; Revelation 21:3, 4. Many are finding solace in this promise. I pray that you will also. Heartfelt prayers are with you.

I am going to miss you, Tom, and look forward to seeing and hearing you sing another day!
Mary Catherine, may the Lord strengthen and comfort you in the the weeks to come.
Bless you,
Marshall