Thomas Jackson Lisenby

Thomas Jackson Lisenby, born in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 26, 1930, went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nita Oden and John Blackard Lisenby, and his beloved wife of 56 years Gertrude James Lisenby.  He is survived by his loving wife of nine years Ann Noel Lisenby; daughter Lizabeth Lisenby Grage (Henry); son John David Lisenby (Nancy); son James Marvin Lisenby (Cindy); grandchildren Kimberly Grage Caudill (Jeremy), Kathryn Grage Moore (Austin), Nolan Grage (Allison); J. David Lisenby (Jake), Callie Lisenby Griffin (Garrett), Gray Lisenby (Jessica); William Jackson Lisenby (Amanda), Laurie Lisenby Martino (Rob), Matt Lisenby (Meghan); and 20 great-grandchildren.   He is also survived by John Noel (Susie), Bobby Noel (Carrie), Ann Noel Parish (John), their children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He was incredibly proud of each of his offspring, and didn’t hesitate to tell everyone how great they were.   

Tom was raised in Pine Grove, Louisiana, where his father was the school principal.  His love of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing were born in that tiny town.  He graduated at the age of 16 from The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN.  He pledged Kappa Sig at LSU and was a die-hard fan, listening to the LSU win over Alabama the day before he died. 

After graduation, he served as an Air Force fighter pilot flying F-80s.  He and Trudy moved fourteen times during those years and began their lifelong habit of collecting close friends everywhere, most of which they maintained contact with for the rest of their lives.  

He worked for Merrill Lynch, first as a broker, but found his real passion when he became a manager.  After opening the Galleria office – their first suburban/retail office in the nation - Merrill moved him first to Jackson, MS then to Shreveport, LA where they continued forming close friendships.  During 1988 he began his second career in Houston as an independent investment advisor and as a Trustee for numerous ESOP’s.  He loved working with people.  He had a profound impact on many young people’s lives and careers, mentoring many along the way.  

His Christian faith was very important to him, and he served in numerous capacities at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and Holy Spirit Episcopal Church.  

A known humorist and storyteller, he loved talking to anyone who would listen, often regaling the listener with his misadventures at the White House with his beloved River Oaks Breakfast Association.  

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 3 p.m. at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church with the Revs. Martin J. Bastian and Jonathan Adams officiating.   Following the service, there will be a reception in Bagby Parish Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Webb School, 319 Webb Rd E, Bell Buckle, TN 37020 or St. Martin's Episcopal Church, noting the Benevolence Fund, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056-2100.