Tom Brooks Foote was born in Houston, Texas early on January 1, 1953. It just so happened that he was the first baby born in Houston that year and as a result got his picture printed in the Houston Press. He was named for his uncle, SSgt Tom Brooks Foote, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was killed in action over Germany in 1944. Tommy, as he was called from birth, loved country music early on, following his dad, John, who loved country music with a passion his whole life. Tommy began playing the drums in high school in the early 60s and while attending college at Southwest Texas State, (now Texas State University) Tommy was one of the founding members of a band called Stoney Ridge. The band later became Ace in the Hole, but they needed a lead vocalist, so they posted a wanted ad on a school bulletin board seeking auditions. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1975, Tommy briefly stepped away from the band and returned to Houston. A few months went by, when 'the boys' called urging his return to the drums, as they had auditioned a new singer who was 'going to make them all famous'; George Strait, and as they say: the rest is history.

Tommy played a pivotal role in George's career - In 1983, he put down the drumsticks and became his Road Manager, ensuring the smooth operation of the band's tours and performances. Tommy remained dedicated to his role for more than 48 years, until his passing on April 29, 2024, leaving behind a legacy in the world of country music. Tommy loved San Marcos and made it his hometown after college, where he had many treasured friends and spent time with his family in Wimberley, Texas. Tommy was known for his loyal support and generosity to his alma mater, but his true passion was baseball and his beloved Houston Astros team! His favorite pastime was watching the Astros from his recliner, talking baseball stats or attending games in person, not to mention all the World Series Victories! Tommy served on the Christus Santa Rosa San Marcos Foundation board for ten years, facilitating the musical talent for the annual fundraising Galas. Tommy worked with many clubs and dance halls in Texas booking their talent, Mo's place in Katy, Texas held a special place in Tommy’s heart.

Tommy is survived by his sister, Joan Foote Jenkins, his niece Jessica Anderson and her husband Casey Cannon, his nephew John Travis Jenkins and his wife Whitney and the grandnephews he adored: Brooks & Bennett Jenkins. He is also survived by his longtime girlfriend Ann Guilford, three stepdaughters from a previous marriage who he always considered 'his girls' and remained committed to them and their children until the end: Lisa Burleson, Ashley McKellar and Jessica Tessmer. He will be grieved by his many cousins, lifelong friends and his entire country music family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday June 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. for friends and family with a reception following, at the San Marcos Baptist Academy Chapel, at 2801 Ranch Road 12 in San Marcos.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund has been established at Texas State University to honor Tommy's memory and contribution to Texas Country Music; The Tommy Foote Memorial Scholarship Fund for recipients in, 'Texas Country Music History'. Our hope is that this endowed scholarship fund will bless the lives of many future Texas State musicians and carry on Tommy's love for History and Texas Country Music. Our desire is to keep Tommy’s legacy alive at Texas State and beyond. Donations can be mailed to: Texas State University Development Foundation, 601 University Dr. San Marcos, TX 78666.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home, 2001 Ranch Rd 12, San Marcos, TX 78666. For more information and to sign the online registry, please visit thomasonfuneralhome. com.