I joined the Army on July 8, 1980, at the age of 18, while I was still in high school. I served in the military for six years—four years of active duty and two years in the reserves. My military service began with basic training at Fort Jackson, followed by AIT at Fort Lewis, Washington. I was stationed at Fort Ord, California, for 18 months as an infantry soldier, and then spent 26 months in Germany working security. My time in the military taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of serving others—principles that I carry with me every day.
After leaving the military, I moved to Austin, Texas, where I worked alongside my brother at his automotive shop as a mechanic for 27 years. The work was hard but fulfilling, and I was able to provide for my family while doing something I loved. In the last 18 years, I transitioned into owning a landscape business, specializing in commercial landscaping. I take great pride in my work, seeing the results of planting and growing something from the ground up. I have two employees who I consider part of my extended family, and together, we continue to provide services to businesses in our community.
Community has always been a huge part of my life. For over 15 years, I’ve been a member of the Blackshear Neighborhood Development Corporation, where I serve as the president of the homeowner’s association. I’m passionate about helping low-income individuals find housing and advocating for my neighbors in local city council meetings. It’s important to me that everyone in our community has the chance to thrive, and I will continue working to make that happen.
Family is everything to me. I’ve been happily married to my wife, Carol, since 1987. I have a daughter who is now 38 years old, and a grandson who is 7, both of whom live in Little Rock, Arkansas. I look forward to moving back to Arkansas once I receive a transplant and retire. It’s my dream to spend more time with my family and enjoy the activities I love, like fishing and golfing, which I haven’t been able to do as much since starting dialysis.
I’ve been on dialysis since November 2020 due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This was brought on by the effects of high blood pressure.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Thomas‘s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611