Tommy Joe Lock

Tommy Joe Lock, 74, of Poplarville, MS, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Born on October 10, 1948, to Frank Sayers and Mercedes Webb in Stockton, CA. Tom was the baby of three; grew up in San Francisco, CA. He lived in the projects, enjoyed skating, and aggravating the neighbors. His mother worked at See's Candy store, and always brought home the "day old" candies that needed replacing, so all the kids in the neighborhood knew him as "the candy man". That nickname and legacy sort of stuck, and he has made candy for years. Turtles, Martha Washington, heavenly hash, sugared pecans, pecan pies and much more, he always made candy to give to others. Joined the US Navy one day after his 17th birthday, and served four years, including 1 tour of Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, operating a river patrol boat. He survived seven firefights during his time on the rivers where seventeen of his fellow squad mates made the ultimate sacrifice. After his discharge from the Navy, he went to visit his gunner's mate in Houma, LA. the day after Hurricane Camille and has never returned to California. Tom worked offshore for a few years before becoming a millwright, working for Mason Chamberlain at Stennis for a while, finishing his career at Bell Avon in Picayune, where he retired in 2011. He stayed active and was called back several times on a part-time basis over the years, due to his expertise. Tom met Belinda in 1976 while driving the school bus’s part time. They were married in 1979 and spent their life in Poplarville. In his spare time, he loved to pick up and crack pecans, make candys, and fancy walking sticks, which he carved, wrapped, and stained himself. A loyal hard ass who was a true patriot but a big ol’ softie for his toy poodle, "Gizmo". To know Tom Lock was to know a very noteworthy individual. He was a “diamond in the rough,” a Navy Vietnam combat veteran, a mighty warrior, a very hardworking man, a ferocious provider and protector of his wife and children, a jokester and prankster, a man of integrity and honor. He was a gruff bear you dare not challenge. He loved our Heavenly Father Yahweh and His Son Yeshua. His desire was to follow the ways our Creator and how he wanted us to live. He was a man many others admired and wanted to be like. He was a tremendously strong fighter through it all though! Every medical professional that read all his critical complications couldn’t believe this man was still here. Many times, one of his docs said, “we’re in uncharted territories with him ‘cause most people would have been long gone.” One of his medical professionals recently said, “He is a hell of a man!”. Remembered as a loving, devoted husband who was a protective warrior over his family, a watchful papa who dearly loved all his grandchildren in his own unique way. He always put them first and provided for them in every way. He was the kind to help anyone with anything they needed. Tom will be missed beyond measure. Left to cherish every wonderful memory is his wife, Belinda Ann Lock; children, Jamie (Matthew) Kite, Lisa (Jess) Youngblood, Chris (Mary) Lock, Billie Jean Prine, and Tommy L Lock; brother, Fred W Sayers; his 25 grandbabies and 7 great-grandbabies; and little buddy “Gizmo”. Tom is preceded by his parents, Frank Williams Sayers and Mercedes Lock; son, Buster Dell Lock; and sister Billie Sue Drinovsky. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Lock family and ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers for the days to come.

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