Thomas John Nunley

Thomas “Tommey” John Nunley (or as he answered to his wife “Butthead”), aged 47, passed away in his home Friday, May 12, 2023, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born on February 15, 1976, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Colleen Nichols Tah and Thomas Loyd Nunley. The youngest of three children, he worked from a young age to help his mom, who he was extremely close to, go to nursing school. He graduated from Claremore High School in 1994 and later attended TCI trade school. In October 1995, he joined Vickery Heat and Air, where he worked his way up to a HVAC Lead Journeyman. He worked at Vickery until February 14, 2023, and was called “Dad” by many of his co-workers.

He met Christy through her brother, L.J. They were married on a rainy day on February 3, 2012. He would tell her they were complete opposites and that is what made them good together and that she was his best friend. She answered to “beautiful” and he loved her cooking and sense of humor. In 1996, they had the first of their four children. He loved being their dad and coming home from work every day asking how they were, if they needed anything and how their day was. He always wanted to make sure they had everything they may need or want.

He loved football, especially the Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys.  He enjoyed building things and helping anyone who asked. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR with his wife.

Left behind to cherish the memory of Tommey, are his wife, Christy; sons Thomas III, age 26, Matthew, age 22, Michael, age 19 and their daughter, Sarah, age 14; Raymond “Duke” Tah, who had been his dad long before he married his mom and who he loved dearly; sister Missy Chambers, who though he was her baby when he was born and husband Clay; sister Tracey, who would protect him growing up, and husband Clint, who was his best friend; Mother-in-law Michele Wheeler, who helped with his care these last couple of months and who he was always happy to see; Sister-in-law Megan Neal, who was more of a friend, and husband Nick; Brother-in-law Scott Tubbs and wife Niki; Brother-In-law Mike Tubbs and wife Melissa; sister-in-law Diane Dilldine; so very many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, work family, and many other extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Colleen; Father Tom and father-in-law Leo Wheeler, who was like a second dad; as well as best friend Robert Burch, and great nephew Cameron Hollingsworth, a fellow cancer warrior.

Viewing is to be held at Rice Funeral Service on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, with family from 4-5:00 pm, with the family welcoming others from 5-7:00 pm. Services will take place at Blue Starr Church of Christ on Thursday, Mary 18, 2023 at 1:30 pm.

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