Thomas "Tom" Eugene Lord, 79, of Ridgeland, Mississippi, formerly of Greenwood, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Visitation will be 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, at Williams & Lord Funeral Home and graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. in Evergreen Cemetery in North Carrollton. Rev. Phillip Dearman will officiate.

Tom was born on June 1, 1946, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to William David Lord, Sr. and Jane Crenshaw Lord. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and Delta State University. Tom was widely respected as the very definition of a Southern gentleman and was a proud lifelong resident of the state of Mississippi. He worked with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission throughout his distinguished professional career and was appointed by Governor Kirk Fordice to serve as executive director. Following his retirement, Tom returned to the "family business" serving as a funeral director. A devoted historian, Tom had a particular passion for Civil War history. He spent many weekends traveling the state restoring headstones of Civil War soldiers, honoring their memory with care and reverence. Above all else, Tom's greatest pride and joy were his three grandchildren. He cherished traveling with his family, cooking and grilling meals for loved ones, and gathering friends and family around the table. He was a constant source of laughter and kindness to everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Leila Johnson (David) of Austin, TX, and Jean Reid Goodwin (Jeff) of Madison, MS, his grandchildren, Scarlett Johnson, Travis Johnson and Fletcher Goodwin, and his brothers, Bill Lord and Jimmy Lord of Carrollton, MS; and many nieces and nephews. His love for his family was boundless and remains his greatest legacy.

Pallbearers will be Warren Long, Joseph W. Cooper, Jimmy Dozier, Fletcher Goodwin, Travis Johnson, Jeff Goodwin, and David Johnson.

Memorials may be made to Broadmeadow United Methodist Church, 4419, Broadmeadow Street, Jackson, MS 39206.

Williams & Lord Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.