Obituary

Tommy Arnold Barber

May 2, 1952 - December 2, 2023

Tommy Arnold Barber, age 71 and a resident of Bogalusa, passed away Saturday December 2, 2023 at Our Lady of The Angels Hospital in Bogalusa. Tommy was born on May 2, 1952 to the late John Wesley and Louise Barber. He is survived by a sister Sarah Baughman and brother Steve Barber. Tommy was one of six boys in a family of ten children and survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Tommy was preceded in death by sisters Lola Siebert, Ruby Brumfield, Barbara Ann Blount and brothers Billy Barber, Bruce Barber, Melvin Barber and Merle Barber in addition to parents John Wesley and Louise Barber.

Tommy graduated from high school and Roberts School of Cosmetology in addition to receiving degrees in civil technology and ornamental horticulture from Sullivan Vocational Technical Institute. He was an outstanding artisan in his profession of cosmetology, having traveled all over the United States. Tommy planted his roots in Bogalusa, close to his mother and family. Tommy was really a jack of all trades. He loved carpentry, gardening, electrical and the fine arts. Working in his garden, planting flowers and vegetables, with his prize pet “Bubba” an Australian Shepherd, that was the passion of his life.

A health and fitness guru, he enjoyed weight lifting, yoga, biking and exercising on his Nordic Track equipment and weights. Tommy loved good times with friends, enjoying good food and his monthly trips to Sam’s with Kay Martin, Bennie Crain and Kathy Crain Fitzsimmons.

The family and friends wish to express thanks to caregivers Johnny Runfulo, Christina Knight and longtime best friend Bennie Crain and to friends Ricky and Linda Pope, who were always quick to get Tommy “out of a jam”.

A special thanks to friends Regina and Jack Runfulo, Dr. Cory Sumrall, Key Home Health and staff, therapist John Gulczynski and neighbor George Schwingling.

Visitation will be at Pettitt Memorial Baptist Church (1033 Ave. G, Bogalusa) on Tuesday December 5th from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 12:00 pm Tuesday with Pastors Larry Mizell and Tommy Pittman officiating. Burial will follow in the New Hope Cemetery, Crossroads, Mississippi.

Pallbearers: John Runfulo, Bennie Crain, Bruce Dewayne Barber, Frank Honeycutt, Tim Evans, Alex Sumrall