Sad news re Poster @Ray&Donna

[darkshadows38]

so was it natural causes? the virus?

 

[Karin Schill]

Tommie had been fighting a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. I always thought he would beat it.

Also I mentioned fan vidding before. I think this might be his best video so I thought I'd repost it here in tribute of him:

 

[DallasFanForever]

Such sad news! My condolences to his family and friends and to the many people on this site that obviously cared about him. I did not know he was battling brain cancer and I hope he is now at peace and his suffering is over.

 

[darkshadows38]

same here i didn't know that either while it sucks he's no longer here not only for us but for his loved ones at least he's not in pain anymore

 

[The Lovely Sue Ellen]

I don’t really post on here very often anymore, I know I should.... Karin emailed and told me about this post, I found out about Tommie last night. He and I have been best friends were going on 15/16 years now, we talk almost every day, we shared a love of Dallas, Desperate Housewives, The X Files, I introduced him to the actress Julie Benz , even got him an autograph when I got to meet her a few years back, I’m still in shock honestly, I can’t imagine this world without him in it. I guess I can take some comfort in knowing that he’s no longer in pain… This world is a darker place without himcome I’m very thankful to still have all his messages, and his books anyone that hasn’t read his book should because they’re amazing.
I have to stop here because I’m at work and near tears
Rest In Peace Tommie, you are forever in my heart

 

[tommie]

Sad. I had no idea we shared not only a name but was also the same age as me. 36 is way too young. RIP

 

[Pamela_E]

This is incredibly sad to hear, so after a long absence, it's really awful to pop back to say how sorry I am to read this news.

Tommie was one of those ever present members who has been part of this community for years. To have to go through that at any age is awful but at just 36 is so tragic.

A very sad time.

 

[The First Noele]

Tommie was admitted to hospital over a week ago with another illness - I dont think its my place to say what that was - but sadly he was unable to over come it
I have bought a card and will send it to his family on behalf of all at Ultimate Dallas/Soapchat as was and Telly Talk saying how sorry we were to hear of his passing and that he had many friends here and will be sadly missed and how much we valued his contribution to the Forums over many years

Its the least we can do x

 

[Pamela_E]

Tommie was admitted to hospital over a week ago with another illness - I dont think its my place to say what that was - but sadly he was unable to over come it
I have bought a card and will send it to his family on behalf of all at Ultimate Dallas/Soapchat as was and Telly Talk saying how sorry we were to hear of his passing and that he had many friends here and will be sadly missed and how much we valued his contribution to the Forums over many years

Its the least we can do x

Are they doing donations instead of flowers? If they are, then maybe you could post the details and if people wish to contribute they could.

 

[The First Noele]

Are they doing donations instead of flowers? If they are, then maybe you could post the details and if people wish to contribute they could.

I dont know what the plans are - I can ask his cousin who let me know the sad news - If i hear anything i will certainly post the details xx

Nice to see you here @Pamela_E - sorry its due to a sad situation, Tommie has been a round for such a long time, part of the fixtures and fittings here,
Nice to see you back too @The Lovely Sue Ellen but wish it wasnt due to the sad circumstances .

 

[The First Noele]

His cousin will ask his parents - If i hear anything I will let you know xx

 

[supermanfan]

Omg so sad I always talked to him about NASCAR and dallas he was so kind my friend!

 

[Emelee]

That's really sad. Rest in peace, Tommie.

 

[The Lovely Sue Ellen]

Here is his obituary https://www.tolerfuneralhome.com/ob...6X58H9W9pI7ZQVPHgiDHQxVaU_DwGNs#/obituaryInfo

 

[Sarah]

So sorry to hear about Tommie and my wishes and love to his family and friends. Rest in peace dear Tommie.

 

[Pamela_E]

Here is his obituary https://www.tolerfuneralhome.com/ob...6X58H9W9pI7ZQVPHgiDHQxVaU_DwGNs#/obituaryInfo

That is incredibly sad to read, I really feel for his parents.

 

[The First Noele]

Thanks for posting that Josie, will be thinking of his parents today, a very tough day for them.

 

[Jock Is Sleighing]

Very sorry to hear about Tommie's untimely departure from this world. His creativity will be missed so much and his interesting posts. My sympathy to his family, friends and to everyone here on these forums.

 

[Margaret Krebbs]

Since I first heard the incredibly sad news, I have been thinking a lot about ‘virtual’ friendships. I spent some time today revisiting Tommie @Ray&Donna’s fan fictions, his fan videos, and his most recent message to me from mid-March. Although we never met IRL or even spoke by video chat or phone, I felt that we were friends.

I first met Tommie @Ray&Donna when I found the Ultimate Dallas site after discovering Dallas in 2008. I felt welcomed as a newbie, and in awe of the incredible amount to of knowledge Tommie and others had about the show.

Tommie @Ray’sLady, @Vote4Cliff, @JROG, some other posters and I had a lot of fun in the Ray and Donna Appreciation Thread back then. We projected our own fantasies, invented dialogue, created new scenarios, and mashed up Dallas, Petrocelli, Charlie’s Angel’s and Starsky and Hutch story lines. We commented on the set decorations, clothes and which female characters shared the same coats, dresses, and hats, on the food, how much bourbon was drunk on a normal work day, the various wallpapers and the porcelain dog. We dished on Jenna Wade, poor woman, viciously. We were there to represent, support and defend our couple from the more popular Bobby and Pam and JR and Sue Ellen Swoonalicious threads. It was goofy, entertaining, irreverent fun and full of the utmost respect and admiration for the show. And all because Tommie took the time to create and update the thread.

Tommie and I messaged incessantly during a very stressful time in my life. I was working ridiculously long hours then and his often funny and thoughtful messages kept me sane and focused. We had long conversations about Dallas characters story lines, narrative arcs, motivations, and acting abilities. I had not yet finished watching the entire series, as not all the DVD’s had been released, and Tommie was always very considerate not to spoil anything for me. We also shared a mutual admiration for Dolly Parton, and he was so generous with sharing all his music with me, and those songs he shared got me through.

I found out that he loved architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn in particular. I sent him photos of my trips to visit Frank Lloyd Wright buildings. When I had the opportunity to meet one of Louie Kahn’s daughters, I had her sign a copy of her book for Tommie. I sent Tommie copies of all the books I worked on, including another autographed copy of a Babar publication that I asked the author Jean de Brunhoff to autograph to him. He dutifully read ALL the books I sent him, and commented on those books he liked best.

We both loved the Chrysler Building which we called our building, and I often sent him photos of the Chrysler Building from different views, different times of day and in different weather. I was certain that someday we would meet, that I would be able to show him my city, and bring him to the Museum of Modern Art so he could see van Gogh’s Starry Night painting in person. Tommie also had an artistic talent and even painted the illustration for the cover of one of his novels.

Tommie was a talented writer and wrote more novels than I can count. I am happy to say that there are still a few I have yet to read, and for that I am grateful. His genre was romance and mystery, not usually my thing, but he was a compelling storyteller. His stories were often about lonely people finding each other, people from very different upbringings and class, and they always had a happy ending. There was a comfort in reading them, in that I always knew Tommie would figure out a way to bring the people together, that they would overcome their adversities and find their happiness together. I thought for certain Tommie would find that ending for himself as well.

Rest In Peace my friend.

 

[Biggie's B.I.G Manger Mash-up]

By any measure I am relatively new to this platform. And not wishing to be intrusive and incentive regarding the passing of someone that was clearly well respected and a friend to many judging by the comments offered.

The loss of Tommie is a significant event that resonates across this platform going by what I have been reading.

But I'm moved by the post above, beautifully written about a relationship that was valued, but the participant never had the opportunity to sit down at the same table.

Speaks of a person who's passing will be noticed far into the future.

As mentioned, the post above ....never met but constructed a friendship. I'm touched