Thomas C. "Tom" Railsback Jr.

Thomas C. "Tom" Railsback Jr., 67, of Rison, Arkansas died Monday, May 30, 2016. Born in Pine Bluff, Ark., January 23, 1949, a son of the late Thomas Charles Railsback and Sue Cathey Railsback Reed, Tom grew up in Pine Bluff, attended Chamberlain Hunt Military Academy, then graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1967. He entered the US Navy in 1969 and served four years, almost all at sea and the Philippines, before being honorably discharged in 1973. He earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from UA-Fayetteville and then worked for Phillips Farms in Jefferson County. After attending graduate school and a brief stint teaching at Watson Chapel, Tom worked for F.G. Smart Farms for several years, retiring as office manager. A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff, past member of Pecan Lake, his survivors include his wife, Kelly Corkins Railsback who he married in 1991; sister, Rebecca Railsback Phillips of Pine Bluff; nephews, Ward Phillips, Taylor Phillips; and a great-nephew and several great-nieces including the apple of his eye, Madeline Prestidge. A brother, Walter Railsback, also preceded Tom in death. His memorial service is Monday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m., Ralph Robinson & Son Chapel, Pine Bluff. Friends are invited to gather at Robinson's for exchanging stories and remembering him during the hour before his service begins. At his request, the service will be very brief. Committal will be private. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.