Thomas Brannan Sisk, 67, died on February 9, 2016 in Little Rock.
Thomas is survived by a brother, Jerry Sisk; friend and caregiver, Tiphanie Gatewood. He was predeceased by their parents, Gerald Raney Sisk and Maurine Sisk.
Born December 9, 1948, in the old Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Thomas attended North Little Rock High School and Pines Vocational Technical School before joining the U.S. Army, where he was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Purple Heart, Meritorious Unit Emblem, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, Marksman Badge with Automatic Rifle and Rifle Bars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Unit Citation Badge.
He earned a G.E.D. while in the military, attended the University of the Ozarks, worked three years as a surveyor for the state highway department and then started Sisk-co, a small construction company, which he ran for 10 years. He then started Old River Construction, restoring homes in the Quapaw Quarter of Little Rock. In Austin, Texas he worked at LBJ Ranch.
He got his pilot’s, commercial and instructor’s licenses at Central Flying Service, then flew as a flight instructor in Panama City. He then was part-owner of Mustang Aviation in Rogers, then went to California where he got a captain’s license at la Hoya Yachting Club.
He was known as well for his excellent woodworking skills. He returned home to care for his mother and aunt in their final days.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at the Old Mill in North Little Rock.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
4 Comments
Tom… you’ve been a part of the family for the past few years and you will be greatly missed. I’ll never forget the times you, Tiphanie, myself, and my mother all spent together. Three generations of ladies and you entertained us all with your wit, humor, knowledge, and especially your stories. You’ve been a wonderful friend to my daughter and my heart grieves for her loss but knowing that you gave her so many precious memories to hold on to is such a rare giift. You touched our lives and we will always think of you and remember you until we all meet again someday….rest in peace.
I am trying to get in touch with Tom’s brother, Jerry. Did you or your daughter know him? I was a first cousin of Tom’s and had not seen him since 1970. I would like to reacquaint myself with the remaining family. If you would kindly email me, I will give you contact info.
Thanks for your help,
Jerry so sorry for your loss. Ithas been a long time since the Shangri-La. Give me a call at 501-316-0409 or 501 -249-7968.
My mother was Tom’s aunt. We would often visit when going to see grandmother in Little Rock. I remember cousin Tom showing us pictures about his time in Vietnam.
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