Thomas “TomCat” Clifford Ailes Sr. was born in Wesson, MS by Dr. Freeman on June 29, 1950. Thomas attended school at Friendship School and graduated Parrish High School in 1968. He went on to serve in U.S. Marine Corps shortly afterwards, where he served his country in Vietnam until 1970 where he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Rifle Marksman Badge. In 1971, Thomas married Ruth Marie Hooks, and raised three children in his hometown. He has always loved working with his hands and valued hard work and family. He had his own construction company where he loved to do household repairs until he finally decided to retire in 2020.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Enoch and Doreatha Byrd Ailes; one sister, Linda Ailes; grandparents, Joe and Carolyn “Carrie” Dyces Gilmore Byrd, Mel Sr. and Carrie Bell Ailes; a niece, Michelle Ailes; nephews, Mark Ailes and Eric Smith; brothers-in-law, Roy Lee Hooks and Terrance Douglas; one sister-in-law, Sheila Hooks; great-granddaughter, Y’Chaunte Marie; and cousin and best friend, William Jones.

On May 1, 2021, Thomas departed this earthly realm and leaves to cherish his memories his four children: Kelly Camille, Maria Chaunte’ (Benny), Thomas Clifford Jr. and Ashley Chin’ea; seven grandchildren: Rebekah, Trendarious, Kadarius, Dynasty, Deja, A’Lexus and Jai-Kirra; 14 great-grands; three sisters: Carrie (John), Theresa (Luis) and Monica (Wayne); two brothers, James “Chuck” (Linda) and Enoch Jr. (Gwen); two brothers-in-law: Timothy (Elonda) and Anthony (Camille); a sister-in-law, Terri Lynn; Emma Hooks; devoted, special friend, Dora Berniece Johnson; and his “Ace Coon Boons”: Wille “Bobo” Smith, Albert “AJ” Martin, Albert “Peanut” Pendleton, Kirby Jones, Charlesn Brown, Albert Vance, Ronnie Jointer and Johnnie Butler.

There will be a closed casket, graveside ceremony on Saturday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Community Cemetery, in Wesson, MS. Tyler Funeral Home is over arrangements.