Thomas Jay Tollett, 69, of Nashville, Ark., passed away on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026.
Jay was born Jan. 2, 1957, in Nashville, Ark., to Leroy “Buck” Tollett and Winnie Pearl Tollett. A lifelong son of Nashville, Jay graduated from Nashville High School and went on to spend nearly 40 years with Husqvarna, where he built a career marked by hard work, loyalty, and dedication before his retirement.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Winnie Pearl Tollett, and his brother, Alan Tollett.
He is survived by his wife, Terre Tollett; his son, Chris Tollett and wife Rebecca; his daughter, Mandi Tollett Houk and husband Chris; and five grandchildren, Mallory, Will, Graham, Miriam, and E.B., who were among the great joys of his life.
He is also survived by his brothers, Don Tollett and Ralph Tollett; his sister, Judy Stewart and her husband, Jerry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends far too numerous to list.
Jay spent his life surrounded by people. He had a gift for knowing folks, remembering them, keeping up with them, and making connections that lasted across years and miles. Family, friendship, and community were not separate parts of Jay’s life—they were woven together. If you knew Jay, there was a good chance he knew your people, too, and an even better chance he had a story about them.
He loved his family deeply, valued a good story and a good laugh, and never seemed to meet a stranger. The measure of Jay’s life can be found not simply in the years he lived or the work he did, but in the extraordinary number of people whose lives crossed his and were made a little richer for having known him.
He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly, a hometown filled with memories of him, and friendships and connections stretching far beyond Nashville.
His absence will be deeply felt, but the love, laughter, friendships, and family he leaves behind will carry his memory forward for generations to come.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday night, Aug. 12, 2026, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Nashville Funeral Home. A memorial service will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Bro. Kevin Sartin and Chris Tollett officiating.
