of Little Rock, AR
August 12, 1945 - January 12, 2025
Tommy G. Trantham, 79, of Little Rock, AR passed away peacefully on January 12th surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 12, 1945 in Camden, AR to James Alexander Trantham and Willah Marie Greer Trantham. Tommy lived a life defined by extraordinary accomplishments, deep compassion and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. He was an accomplished athlete, visionary business leader, devoted husband and cherished patriarch whose legacy will endure through generations.
Tommy's remarkable journey began as a standout athlete at Little Rock Central High School. He went on to achieve national recognition at the University of Arkansas, where he was a three-time All-Southwest Conference defensive back from 1965 to 1967 and Scholastic All-American and President of his senior class. As a Razorback, Tommy became a key player in one of the program's most celebrated eras. In 1965, his iconic 77-yard fumble recovery against the No. 1 ranked, Texas Longhorns, helped secure a historic victory, propelling Arkansas to the top of the national rankings for the first time. His 300 interception return yards remains a record at the University of Arkansas.
After college, Tommy played professionally for the Arkansas Diamonds in the Continental Football League before transitioning to coaching. As an assistant coach for Hot Springs High School, he helped lead the team to an undefeated State Championship season in 1970, inspiring countless young athletes with his leadership, dedication and mentorship.
Tommy's drive for excellence extended beyond the football field and into the business world. After serving as President of Northwest Savings and Loan in Northwest Arkansas, Tommy held the title of bank President again in Bedford, Texas. There, he revolutionized the banking industry by introducing the concept of free checking accounts-an innovative idea that made banking more accessible to the public. Under his leadership, the bank became the number one savings and loan in the state of Texas, a testament to his vision and commitment to serving the community. He served as Marketing Director of The Federal Home Loan Bank and President of several other banks spanning across Arkansas and Texas.
In 1987, Tommy returned to Little Rock to represent the Federal Home Loan Bank in the closing of Madison Guarantee Savings.
Later, Tommy found new purpose as the owner/operator of Crystal Springs Marina on the southside of Lake Ouachita, where he fostered a beloved recreational destination for families and adventurers. An avid scuba diver and outdoor enthusiast, Tommy's love for nature and adventure inspired others to embrace the joys of life and the beauty of the natural world.
Tommy was inducted into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame as well as the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, an accolade that celebrated not only his athletic achievements but also his enduring character, work ethic and contributions to the community.
At the core of Tommy's life was his profound love for his family. He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Geneva Perry, Betty Jo Campbell, Maureen Smith and the love of his life, Nancy Gene Strunk Trantham. Tommy and Nancy shared a remarkable love story, a deep and abiding partnership built on mutual respect, faith and devotion. Together, they built a family founded on love and resilience, a legacy that continues to guide their children and grandchildren. Tommy often expressed that Nancy was his greatest blessing and their love will forever remain a source of inspiration to all who knew them.
Tommy is survived by his children, Angela Trantham and Terri Trantham; granddaughter, Alexi Alan Janske and grandson, Whitten Janske; siblings, James Trantham (Liz), Jerry Trantham, Shirley Sedder, Pat Hammock (Curtis), Sandra Trantham, Judy Milam (Gary); wonderful nieces and nephews, friends, teammates and colleagues, whose lives were touched by his generosity, wisdom and kindness. His legacy of love, faith and achievement will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Highland Valley United Methodist Church in Little Rock, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Crestview Memorial Park in Hot Springs at 2pm.
The Trantham family expresses sincere gratitude to the caregivers David and Lance Reynolds, John Hughes, Liam Hill and Rodney Brooks, as well a special thanks to the incredible St. Vincent ICU staff.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012248300.
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23 Condolence(s)
Billy Tranum
Monday, January 20, 2025
I was an average football player at U of A football in 1959, but over the years I have recieved lots of accolades from fans who mistook me for Tommy who indeed was a great player. I met Tommy once, years after both of us had graduated. He was gracious to say that he had had recieved some favorable comments from fans who mistook him for for me.
bill Tranum, MD, 1959 Razorbnack team
Ron Skaggs
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I always admired Tommy. I met him in high school but was never close friends. We did win a Little Rock city championship in flag football. If I remember correctly Tommy caught the winning touchdown Hail Mary pass from Randy Taylor. Great times
Gary Davis
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Tommy, Sammy Beavers and I had Mr. Cherry’s Study Hall together at LR Central High School, where we did everything but study. Tommy was a very funny guy who kept us in stitches, and I had great respect, and admiration for him. So very so sorry to see him go. Deepest condolences to his family members and all who were privileged to know him. God rest his soul…
Linda Herbert Staley
Saturday, January 18, 2025
I talked to Tommy at Crystal Springs. I was so glad we talked. I had such a crush on him in high school!
J'mia Woods
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Mrs. Judy, your brother, Tommy Trantham lived a wonderful life!
Heaven gained an Angel.
Prayers of comfort for you and your family.
Wayne Thompson
Friday, January 17, 2025
I will pray for Tommy’s family for peace, and Quality . I’m sorry for your loss and sadness for everyone in his family. May god bless you.
Bobbie Keith Whittaker
Friday, January 17, 2025
There will never be another man like Tommy! I always felt like a little sister to him, and always had fun anywhere he was! Our class reunion at Crystal Springs with Tommy and Nancy was one of the best memories I have! Tommy, you will be missed, and you were loved by all! RIP Brother! Prayers for the family for peace, comfort, strength, and so many wonderful memories!
Ronny Gordon
Friday, January 17, 2025
So sorry to hear of Tommy passing. I remember it seem he always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed.
Ben Kirby
Friday, January 17, 2025
May God's presence bring peace to the family.
Mark Smith
Friday, January 17, 2025
Saundra Bray
Friday, January 17, 2025
Childhood friend. Elementary thru High school. Many great times together. Fun times at Crystal Springs, my dad had a place there. R I P
dear friend. You will be missed. Prayers for all.
tom owen
Friday, January 17, 2025
Lost a good friend, prayers for the family.
Ed Davis
Friday, January 17, 2025
R.I.P. old friend. A truly "good" man..
Donna Hall
Friday, January 17, 2025
I am praying for the family at this time.
“ To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord!”
Judy and family, keep the Faith, and God be with the entire family.
God Bless & love you!
Your Friend;
Donna Hall
David Saugey
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Wishing the family peace and wonderful memories of this remarkable man. A life fully lived.
linda cole
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Tommy was a incredible man who worked hard for his family
my husband was a only child and he consider Tommy to be the brother he never had
we spent many wonderful hours with him at lake Ouachita
He will be missed
Alice Gail Rutherford
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Condolences to Tommy's entire family. Many memories from days gone by.
Donny Newberry
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Condolences to the family, may the Good Lord bless and keep you and your Family.
Byron & Gayle Erickson
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
I knew Tommy from high school as a coach, and from Crystal Springs Resort when he was the owner. I always admired Tommy, I considered him a great man and a good person! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Byron & Gayle Erickson
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
I knew Tommy from high school as a coach, and from Crystal Springs Resort when he was the owner. I always admired Tommy, I considered him a great man and a good person! He will be missed by all who knew him.
Clarence Ballard
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Not only a great athlete but also a great person.
Aduston and Steve Spivey
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I know of no better human being I’ve had the pleasure to call a friend, a positive role model for all who knew him. I never heard him bring up his Razorback fame, he was just Tommy, family man, business owner/operator, a shining light for our Lord to all who came in contact with him. God bless and may you rest in peace.
Larry Mathis
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Tommy was my brother-in-law. He was married to my sister Nancy.
I want Terri and Angie To know how sorry I am for the loss of their dad. I will try my best to get there this saturday to be with them. My prayers are with his family.