Thomas Joshua Wilson

Tommy loved golf. The game was his passion, his life. He was a devout golfer, winning countless championships and partnership tournaments in Lubbock and throughout the South Plains.

Tommy grew up in Lubbock, graduating from Monterey High School, where he played on the golf team, and was a past Lubbock City Junior Champion. After graduating from high school, he served in the Army. He returned to Lubbock, worked as a manager of a school supply company, and continued racking up wins in local golf tourneys.

When Tommy turned 40, he decided to earn a college degree. He enrolled at Texas Tech and graduated in 1984 with a degree in Geography. Shortly after receiving his degree he was hired as the golf coach for Texas Tech. In the twelve years he was coach, his team won NCAA berths and in 1996 his Texas Tech team won the final South West Conference team championship.

After resigning as coach in 1998, he continued working as a substitute teacher for the Lubbock Independent School District and became a virtual fixture at Hillcrest Country Club.

Tommy didn’t just play golf, he promoted it and proudly served as President of the West Texas Mens Golf Association for two years and then served as its Director. His golfing skills, his good sportsmanship, and his goofy sense of humor made Tommy a popular partner and challenging opponent among golfers throughout West Texas.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Jean Grossman (Sam) of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Julia Hays Rook and his stepfather, C.G. Rook. Tommy will be greatly missed by his nieces, Leslie Grossman and Rachel Grossman, and his friends, Dave and Janet Butler.

I’m sure he’s teeing up now, to play a celestial round with Whizzer, Dirk, and Ted. In his memory, raise a toast in the 19th hole, and please make donations to Beyond Faith Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Association.