Current and former Boy Scouts joined family and community members Monday, November 18, to pay their last respects to Clarendon’s long-serving Scoutmaster, Tommie Carl Saye.
A lifelong resident of Clarendon and former local businessman, Mr. Saye passed away Friday, November 15, in Amarillo at the age of 86.
Services were held at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon with Rev. Lloyd Stice, pastor, and Rev. Darrell Burton officiating. Interment followed in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon with arrangements by Robertson Funeral Directors.
Boy Scouts with Troop 433 presented the colors during the service, and then about 20 Eagle Scouts – Tommie’s “boys” – joined the troop in reciting the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Mr. Saye influenced untold hundreds of lives and guided a troop that has advanced more than 80 Eagle Scouts since 1969. Former scouts swapped stories before and after the service and agreed with Rev. Burton who centered his remarks on the family and their graciousness in sharing their husband, father, and grandfather with the entire community for so long.
Tommie was born May 17, 1927 in Clarendon to Carl and Emma Saye. He married Lucy Brown on August 14, 1948, in Colorado City, Texas. Tommie was a US Marines veteran serving during World War II. Tommie was a lifetime resident of Clarendon and very active in his community. He was the owner/operator at Saye’s Clothing store for much of his life along with his family and at Saye’s Photography for more than 20 years.
He was a former member of the Clarendon Jaycees, Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, Clarendon College Board of Regents from 1996-2002, and former President of the Clarendon Merchants Association.
Tommie was also a cooperative observer for more than 57 years for the National Weather Service where he received the Benjamin Franklin Award, Thomas Jefferson Award, John Campanius Holm Award, Edward H. Stoll Award, and many other special service awards.
He was currently a member of the American Legion Adamson-Lane Post 287 in Hedley and Citizens Cemetery Association where he served on the board for over 46 years. He was a lifetime member of the PTA.
Tommie was well known for his involvement in Boy Scouts of America. He served for more than 50 years as Scoutmaster and Cub Scout leader for Boy Scout Troop 433 and Cub Scout Pack 437 in Clarendon. He also served for many years as Unit Commissioner for the Golden Spread Council.
Tommie was awarded the God and Service Award, Silver Beaver Award, and he obtained his Vigil in the Order of the Arrow through Boy Scouts of America. Tommie served on the council board for Girl Scouts for several years. He was the recipient of Pioneer Man of the Year in 2002-2003 and the Saints’ Roost Award in 2005 from the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Clarendon.
Tommie was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Tommie Saye, Jr., in 1966.
Survivors include his wife, Lucy Saye of Clarendon; a son, Tim Saye and wife LeShon of Dallas; a daughter, Terry Askew and husband Danny of Clarendon; 5 grandchildren, Dale Askew and wife Amanda, Katie Askew, and Dalton Askew and wife Savannah all of Clarendon, and Evan and Austin Saye of Dallas; 2 great grandchildren, Caleb Askew and Kassie Lynn Askew both of Clarendon.
The family request memorials be sent to Boy Scout Troop 433, c/o David Smith, PO Box 1050, Clarendon, Texas 79226.
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