Tommy Curtis Carlton

Tommy Curtis Carlton, 58, of Bridgeport went to be with our Lord on Friday, February 10, 2017. He was a faithful husband for 37 years to his wife, Sharon, a father of three and Pappa of seven. He was skilled with his hands and was an expert welder, woodsman and custom knife maker. He loved animals and was a lifelong rancher. He was especially fond of his many dogs and made sure they were pampered every day. Tommy was a cowboy. He loved horses, buffalo and rodeos. He was an avid pocket knife collector and enjoyed watching old westerns. His favorite place this side of Heaven was Estes Park, Colorado. As a resident of Bridgeport since his birth February 1, 1959, Tommy had deep ties to the community. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1977. In his younger years, he was a bull rider and Vice President of the Bridgeport Riding Club. He was a private man, but always quick to help out anyone in need. He loved his grandchildren fiercely and called daily to check on everyone. He was known for giving pocket knives as gifts and made sure his grandson received the Smokey Mountain Knife Works magazine each month. Tommy is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clifford and Bertha Elliot and J.O. and Ruth Carlton and a grandson, Carver Swift. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter Amanda and her husband Paul Johnson of Rhome, daughter Adrian and her husband Kyle Swift of Decatur, son Cody Carlton of Bowie; grandchildren Alex and Brody Johnson, Everett, Kyser, Witten and Garner Swift; parents Tom and Betty Carlton of Bridgeport; sister Barbara Stewart and sister Lynda Bridwell and husband Doug of Bridgeport; nieces, nephews and a host of neighbors and friends. The family will hold a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family would like donations made to the Wise County Animal Shelter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.