Thomas Neal Talley, born July 22, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Tom was born to Virginia Day Talley and Darden Shepherd Talley. After the passing of his father during Tom’s early years, his family returned to North Louisiana, where he was raised.
Tom graduated as Valedictorian from Shongaloo High School in 1959. A proud U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran, he served his country with honor. In 1963, he married the love of his life, Louise Parker, and they shared 55 wonderful years together before her passing.
A talented athlete, Tom played basketball and baseball at Louisiana Tech University, where he later graduated in 1977. His passion for sports extended into his career as a high school teacher and coach, where he inspired countless young athletes on the baseball and basketball courts.
Tom and Louise raised two children, Melanie Dawn Mazak (Don) and Shawn Day Talley (Dana). He was a proud grandfather to Kevia Shugart Rawlinson (Ryan), Dakota Shugart (Ariel), Noel Mazak, and Reagan Talley, and a great-grandfather to Alauna and Logan Shugart, Ella, Eli, and Ezra Rawlinson, and Porter Nielsen.
After retiring, Tom pursued a love for nature by growing and hybridizing daylilies, finding joy and creativity in his garden. Baseball was the one constant in Tom’s life, a passion that defined him. Whether he was playing, coaching, or sharing his knowledge with others, the game was always at the heart of everything he did. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a devoted supporter of the sport he loved. Memorials can be sent to Choudrant High School Baseball.
Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise; his parents, Darden and Virginia Talley; two brothers, Sam and Lee Talley; and nephew Jay Talley.
