Tom Booth

Legendary trailblazer and leader in the arts community Roy Thomas ‘Tom’ Booth (68) died at his home in Wren, Mississippi, on January 10, 2023. He was born August 7, 1954, in Amory, Mississippi, to Roy and Jewel (Lou) Booth and graduated from Amory High School in 1972. He continued his education and graduated from Mississippi State in 1976 with a degree in Education. He taught in Meridian City Schools for several years and then attended University of Southern Mississippi where he received a graduate degree in Accounting.

Tom became involved with local community theatres wherever he lived and was active with Meridian Little Theatre, Amory Community Theatre, and Tupelo Community Theatre. He was hired as Tupelo Community Theatre’s first Executive Director in 1992 and continued to lead that organization for more than 30 years of phenomenal growth, including opening their TCT Off Broadway venue. Tom’s visionary leadership was evident in other positions in which he served and accolades he received. He was past president of Mississippi Theatre Association and winner of their Stephen Cunetto Award for exemplary service to theatre in Mississippi; a member of Southeastern Theatre Conference board of directors; a member of American Association of Community Theatre board of directors; and served as a respected theatre adjudicator for festivals across the United States. He also directed countless award-winning productions at TCT and tirelessly supported young aspiring students in the arts.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Tom was also very active in his church and community. He cherished his church family at Central Grove Baptist Church in Wren and taught Sunday School for many years there. He was a past president of Rotary Club in Tupelo and organized a successful satellite branch. He was named Rotarian of the Year in 2019 and served as an assistant regional governor. He was also a past president of Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association board of directors.

In addition to his life’s work, in his leisure time Tom loved traveling to New Orleans and New York City with family and friends. He rarely missed a home game for his beloved MSU Bulldogs. He treasured his “simple country life” and raised chickens, pressing dozens of eggs on anyone who would take them!

Visitation will be held on Monday evening, January 16, at Central Grove Baptist Church from 5 pm until 8 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday at 11:00 am at Central Grove Baptist Church with Bro. Dennis Smithey and Bro. Zachary Carter officiating. A private family graveside service at Wren Cemetery will follow the service. Pallbearers will be Richard Milstead, Dale Langford, Bud Harlow, James Richard Haney, Kenneth Archer, and Rusty Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be his TCT family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lou Booth. He is survived by his brother, Rick Booth (Denise) and his sister, Tammy Booth Rodriguez (Scott). He dearly loved and was extraordinarily proud of his nieces and nephews: Kayla Morgan, Blake Rodriguez, Justin Rodriguez, Megan Booth, and his birthday “twin” Josie Booth York (Drew); and great nieces and nephews: Kaleigh Morgan, Wes Morgan, Russ Morgan, Khol Morgan, Tripp York, Chris Rodriguez, and Blake Rodriguez.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to either Tupelo Community Theatre or Central Grove Baptist Church. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory is in charge of arrangements.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com