On July 1, 2017, Iley "Tommy" Thomas Mixon, Jr. accepted his gift of salvation through the sinners' prayer and took the flight to be with his Heavenly Father. Tommy lived the entirety of his life in Amite, Louisiana with the exception of serving in the Merchant Marines. He grew up as a member of Friendship Baptist Church with his family. He worked as a truck driver, but spent his free time being a rodeo cowboy and playing the guitar with his daddy and cousins. Tommy joins his beautiful mother, Rita Foster Mixon, and his dear daddy, Iley Thomas Mixon Sr., in Heaven, along with his favorite sister, Diane Mixon Zumwalt. Additionally, he joins his paternal grandparents, Walter Abraham Mixon Sr., and Louisa Spinks Mixon, and his maternal grandparents, Jesse D Foster, and Daisy Hutchinson Foster. Tommy is survived by three sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Mixon Woods, Darlene Mixon, and Cheryle Mixon Catt; one son, James Ray Mixon; three grandchildren, Caleb, Christopher, and Christal; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. "Today I am shining bright in the presence of our Heavenly Father, waiting 'til you join me by my side. But for now, go on with your life--live determined with hope, truth, and love." Our dear Tommy, although we can no longer see you, you are always in our hearts. For an online guestbook, visit http:// www.mckneelys.com.