Tommy Ray Cathey

October 1, 1946 - October 23, 2019

Tommy Ray Cathey, age 73, of Thornton, AR, WON his victory over cancer on October 23, 2019, when he left his earthly home to go to his Heavenly home with Jesus. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Cathey and Rosa Nell Clemons Cathey, and brother, Larry "Tater Bug" Cathey. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Shivers Cathey of Thornton, his son and daughter-in- law, Jeff and Shannon Cathey of McKinney, TX, his daughter and son-in-law, Lara and Shane Tatum of Texarkana, AR. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jacob Tatum of Denton, TX, Kiley Cathey of Stillwater, OK, Carson Cathey of McKinney, TX , Abby and Bella Tatum of Texarkana, AR. He is also survived by three sisters-Brenda Smith of Mayflower, AR, Glenda Andrews and Benny of Chidester, AR and Amanda Purifoy and Jeremy of Harmony Grove, AR, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of church family and friends. Tommy was a retired maintenance electrician at Aerojet in East Camden,AR. He was an active member of Thornton First Baptist Church . He was an avid hunter and loved nothing better than preparing for deer season. He always said, once the season began, the fun was over because when he got a deer, the work began. Above all, he loved the Lord and his family. He was a special man who will be missed by many. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bobby George officiating. Burial will follow at Thornton Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Thornton First Baptist Church Building Fund or Gideons International