Thomas Lee Brizendine

Porum- Thomas Lee Brizendine, age 81 passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at his home after a long battle with cancer and a serious heart condition. He was born on May 8th, 1942, in what used to be Saylor Bottom, Oklahoma. He is one of 9 siblings of Mr. Jim Brizendine and Pearl Lee Harden. As a child he enjoyed fishing and football. He attended first to sixth grade in Franklin Elementary, 7th and 8th grade at Hoover Middle School, and high school in Merced, California. He protected his siblings and was instilled with a sense of honor and duty that he learned from his father which eventually caused him to outgrow his small-town life. As he grew into a strong young man, he joined the Army at the age of 17, joining the 101st Airborne Army Rangers. He served his country proudly for 20 years starting in 1959. He was stationed all over the world, spending most of his service in the Vietnam War as a Seargent First Class. He was known for surpassing what was expected of him and was an expert manager of both people and resources. He was professional with the highest integrity and valor. He was dependable under extreme duress. He was an inspiration to all and a tribute to those that he led and the military and country he served. During his services he earned many awards for his undeniable service and loyalty, including National Defense Service medal, Army Commendation medal, Bronze Star, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry just to name a few. Thomas carried this with him in all aspects of his life, which his family and friends will attest to as well. His success, perseverance, integrity in all aspects of his life make him an amazing man of many talents. He had a natural fervor for life and new experiences and gained knowledge on various topics, especially when it came to computers and cooking. He took pride in standing up for what he believed in and helping others see their own potential and strengths. Thomas was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. He fought with this for many years, showing his continued love for his family and comrades, his friends he made along the way. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Pearl Lee Brizendine, sisters Lorene Brizendine, Francille Fowler, and Thelma Brizendine as well as brothers Louis Brizendine, William Brizendine, and Harvell Brizendine. Thomas Lee Brizendine is survived by his brother, Jimmy Dean Brizendine, his sisters Emily Fowler, and Louise Alridge of Merced, California. He leaves behind his nieces and nephews, many cousins and extended family that he loved dearly. He is also survived by his son Thomas Brizendine , Tommy of Dickinson North Dakota, and his daughter Dawn Brizendine of Muskogee, OK as well as his son Wolfgang Michael Brizendine of Virginia, two grandsons Gabriel and Isaac, and daughter Michelle Brizendine. Funeral Service will be Thursday, 9:00 A.M. March 28, 2024 at Porum Assembly of God Church with Reverend Kenneth Clay officiating. Eulogist: Pastor John Brown. Pallbearers include Tommy Brizendine, Johnny Stout, Russell House, Gregory Murphy, Larry Tyson, Michael Brizendine. Burial will follow to Coleman Cemetery under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.

Thomas Lee Brizendine

May 8, 1942 - March 23, 2024