Roy "Tom" Thompson Whiteman

Roy Thompson “Tom” Whiteman Jr.

Roy Thompson “Tom” Whiteman Jr., 75, of North Richland Hills, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 12, 2026. While his sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, his family finds comfort in the faith that guided his life and the promise that he is now in the presence of the Lord and reunited with his beloved son, Adam.

Tom was born on Feb. 12, 1951, in Midland, Texas, to Roy Thompson Whiteman Sr. and Hazel Verna Clark Whiteman. He lived a life defined by unwavering faith, deep love for his family, genuine kindness and quiet integrity that earned the respect of everyone who knew him.

Tom spent much of his childhood in Dallas, where he developed a lifelong love of swimming. He graduated from North Dallas High School in 1969, where he was a standout swimmer and finished third in the Texas state championship in the butterfly as a senior. He carried that same discipline and determination into every season of his life. After graduating from high school, Tom attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he participated in ROTC and attended Marine Officer training in Quantico, VA, served as president of his fraternity (Alpha Phi Omega), served on the university’s concert committee and, most importantly, met the love of his life, Sherry Parkey.

On July 8, 1978 Tom and Sherry were married. Over the next 48 years they built a marriage grounded in faith, friendship and unwavering love. Together they created a home where family always came first and where countless memories were made around dinner tables, family vacations, Oklahoma football games and everyday moments that became treasured traditions.

Tom was a devoted husband, a proud father and an extraordinary Bapa to his six grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy than cheering them on. Whether it was a swim meet, drill team competition, softball or baseball game, choir concert, dance recital, theater production or school program, he was there. His presence and constant encouragement was one of the greatest gifts he gave them.

A man of steadfast faith, Tom was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Hurst for 48 years, where he served as a trustee, usher, Stephen Minister, Sunday School teacher and mission trip volunteer. He helped establish the Young Married Discipleship class. His faith was reflected not only in the positions he held but in the intentionality, humility and generosity with which he lived each day.

Professionally, Tom built a successful career in financial services, eventually owning his own firm where he served as president alongside six trusted partners. He genuinely loved his work and never lost his enthusiasm for serving clients, building relationships and welcoming new families into the practice. To Tom, clients were never simply accounts. They became lifelong friends, and many remained so for decades. He was known for his wisdom, integrity and genuine desire to help others.

Outside of work, Tom embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved traveling with Sherry and dear friends, attending concerts, cheering for the Oklahoma Sooners, researching his family’s genealogy, scuba diving and learning to play guitar as an adult. He never stopped learning, exploring or making memories with the people he loved. In the late 1990s, he even crossed another goal off his list by completing the White Rock Marathon, a testament to the determination that defined his life.

Above all, Tom loved his family. He was the consistent presence they could always count on, the first to celebrate life’s milestones, the first to offer encouragement during difficult seasons and the one who quietly showed up, time and time again. His greatest legacy isn’t found in his accomplishments, but in the people who are better because they were loved by him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Sherry Parkey Whiteman; his adoring daughters, Ashleigh Johnson and husband Justin of Colleyville and Aimee Ybanez and husband Matt of Hurst; his cherished grandchildren, Keira and Micah Ybanez and Bishop Roy, Jennings, Brewer and Libby Hazel Johnson; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Parkey; his brother- and sister-in-law, Gary and Kim Parkey, whom he loved as his own brother and sister; their children, Lauren

Parkey (Christina), Alexandra Parkey and Austin Parkey (Alexa); his first great-niece, Juliette Parkey; his beloved sisters, Julia Lyda (Hap) and Jolly Tucker (Doyle); nephew Lance Lyda; many beloved cousins; and numerous dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Adam Whiteman; his parents, Roy Thompson Whiteman Sr. and Hazel Verna Clark Whiteman; his father-in-law, Charles Norman Parkey; and other loved ones who welcomed him into eternal life.

Tom’s family will remember a man whose faith never wavered, whose word could always be trusted and whose greatest joy was loving the people God entrusted to him well. His example will continue to shape his family for generations to come. While he will be deeply missed every day, they rejoice in the promise that this goodbye is not forever.

Gifts in Tom’s memory may be donated to the Adam Whiteman Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Ozark Mission Project. https://ozarkmissionproject.org

A Service of Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Hurst on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. The church is located at 521 W. Pipeline Rd., Hurst, TX 76053.