Thomas Charles Runnels

Thomas (TR) Charles Runnels passed away peacefully at his home at Eagle Lake on August 1, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on May 18, 1950, in Vicksburg, MS to Hansel Charles Runnels and Ruth Gay Runnels. He was one of four children.  

Tommy attended Grove Street Elementary School, Culkin Academy High School, and Warren Central High School. He graduated in 1968 from Warren Central High School. He attended Hinds Junior College where he received his associate’s degree in engineering.  

Tommy worked as a Hydrologic Engineering Technician with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He retired on March 31, 2005, with over 40 years of service. During his tenure he traveled with the Corps to numerous disaster sites to perform disaster relief work. In 2005, Tommy received the Commanders Award for Civilian Service for his performance and dedication to his job. 

In 1993, Tommy met the woman of his dreams, Debby. They married June 20, 1998, and enjoyed 27 happy years together. During their marriage they travelled together all over the United States. Travelling was not always Tommy’s idea. It was usually Debby dragging him along, but he enjoyed it all the same. They often included their children and grandchildren in their travels. That part was almost always Tommy’s idea. He enjoyed giving his grandchildren those experiences. Some of their travels included Las Vegas, Kentucky, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, & Yellowstone National Park. 

Tommy enjoyed helping others with any projects. He made many friends in his lifetime. The highlight of his day was meeting with his friends every morning at Country Junction for breakfast and story sharing.  

He was preceded in death by his father Hansel Runnels and mother Ruth Runnels, his brother Jonathon B. Runnels, his sister Katrina G. Davis, and his brother-in-law Mike Coomes. He is survived by his faithful and loving wife Debby, sister Jane R. Coomes; son David Wheelock, Sr. (Amber); grandchildren Matthew Wheelock of Woodstock, GA (Kaleigh); Codey Wheelock of New Orleans, LA; Lauren Wheelock, and William Wheelock of Vicksburg MS; numerous cousins including Ricky Runnels (Vicky) of Batesville, MS, and Terry Runnels (Kathy) of Runnelstown, MS. 

The family would like to express special gratitude to Dr. Samuel Pierce, Baleigh Ford, PA, Morgan Caulfield, PA, and the staff at Medical Associates, Dr. Paul Pierce IV; Enhabit employees Melanie, Kem, Tasha, Evonne, and Richard.  

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bovina Global Methodist Church, St, Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice.  

Visitation will be held at Bovina Global Methodist Church: 70 Bovina Dr. Vicksburg, MS 39180 on Tuesday, August 5th from 10:00am-12:00pm with a memorial service to follow at 12:00pm

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