On this day we let go of a remarkable man, a loving father and grandfather, brother, friend, and a kind soul.  He was confident in his relationship with his Lord and we know he is walking with Jesus.  We mourn his loss but celebrate the love and kindness that were the essence of his being - a generous heart with a big personality and unwavering dedication to his work and to those he loved.

EDWARD BATES TOMLINSON, II

(BUBBA TOMLINSON)

Please do not weep for me. My work on this earth is finished and I am with my Lord and Savior free of pain and worry.  I came into this wonderful world named Edward Bates Tomlinson, II on August 23rd 1945, the son of Bates and Myrtice Tomlinson. I left it peacefully, having been called Bubba Tomlinson my entire life, on May 18th 2026 at the age of 80 with my two girls by my side.  My life was full of loving family and friends and I truly lived it exactly as I wanted – full of happy days, successful businesses with partners that remained lifelong friends, fabulous women and blessed with two of the most wonderful daughters and a grandchild I was privileged to hold for a short while.

I am a 1963 graduate of Garland High School where I played football for four years for the Mighty Garland Owls. I then moved on to Texas Christian University where I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1967 and enjoyed being a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.  My next step was Southern Methodist School of Law which I entered in the fall and completed my first year before I chose to enlist in the Air National Guard in 1968.  I was a candidate for Officer Training while in the Guard and began my service in 1969 as a First Lieutenant.  I remained in the Air National Guard for 14 years attaining the rank of Captain. I was always proud to serve my country in this small way. I re-entered law school at SMU in the fall graduating in 1971 and to my great relief, I passed the bar.

For my first year as an attorney I practiced law solo in a small hole in the wall office in Garland, Texas being my own secretary and janitorial service. The next year I joined the law firm of Hirsch, Reese, Anthony and Tomlinson remaining a law partner until 1983.  In January of '83 Tomlinson-Westerfield Management Corporation was founded along with TW Development, TW Construction and TW Real Estate Corporations following shortly thereafter with the primary purpose of these entities being real estate. I never feared taking on new opportunities and always tried to do so with honesty and integrity.  Strong values were instilled in me at a very young age.

It was in the early 90's that I had the good fortune and pleasure of meeting Dorvin Leis, one of my dearest friends and my partner in my next career opportunity. Tomlinson-Leis Corporation was born and we went on to build a successful partnership, a cherished relationship and I kept a continued bond with his entire family after Dorvin's passing.  It was during these years that we became active in acquiring and managing banks – Texas Brand Bank in Garland being one wherein I served as Chairman of the Board until it sold.

Outside of work, I had a lifelong love for music and was part owner in radio stations as well as being a part of many successful music careers as a publisher.  Our music headquarters was established on Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee.  I was fortunate to be able to fulfill my dream of performing in my later years as Bubba T – the oldest new music artist in Texas.  What a dream come true for a short time.

I lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to my family, my friends, service to my country and a long, honest and successful professional career.  I would not change one moment. I was predeceased by my loving parents, my aunts and uncles, several cousins and numerous friends.  I am survived by my daughters, Jackie Tomlinson, Nikki Tomlinson Quinn and husband, Mike, my granddaughter CoCo Quinn, my sister Pat Burkhart and husband Kent, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and co-workers – and of course, my 3 ex-wives.

My Celebration of Life will be held on June 5, 2026 at Williams Funeral Directors, 1600 S. Garland Ave., Garland, Texas 75040.  Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM followed by burial at Restland Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.