Thomas Bell Rosser III, age 88, went to his heavenly home Saturday, August 31, while surrounded by his loving wife and friends at his home on Sparta Road.

A Celebration of Life was held at Sparta Church Tuesday, September 3, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. J.E. Mortimer and the Rev. Bob Cannizzaro officiating. Visitation with the family was at 1 p.m. A graveside service followed in the Sparta Cemetery.

Thomas (Tom) was born June 19, 1936, in Tulsa, Okla. to Thomas Bell Rosser Jr. and Mary Ann Scott Rosser. Tom was a member of Sparta Methodist Church in Holcomb, Miss.

Tom attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., where he also held the title of captain of the Golf Team. He went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a degree in civil engineering. Tom later graduated from Mississippi State University with a Master of Science degree in engineering. Tom also held a licensure with Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Tom worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg from 1964 to 2000. During his tenure with the Corps of Engineers, Tom helped to build the Border Fence in El Paso. Tom then turned his career to the concrete industry. He worked from 2000 to 2003 as the executive director for the Mississippi Concrete Industries Association. In 2005, Tom came out of retirement to help the town and people of New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Tom was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing and teaching golf. He played golf in many states as he traveled with the Corps of Engineers. Tom even held many championships in the Jackson and Vicksburg areas.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life revolved around his family and church. He is survived by his wife, Linda Switzer Rosser; daughters, Mary Scott Rosser Shepherd (Tommy) of Jackson; Sara Jane Rosser Parker (Gene) of Vicksburg; and Virginia (Ginny) Rosser Abraham (Bobby) of Oxford. Tom leaves three grandchildren, Banks Shepherd (Jena); Martin Shepherd (Randle); and Luke Abraham. Tom leaves two great grandchildren, Polly and Bob Shepherd. Tom also leaves a special niece, Elizabeth Scott Rosser Thomas and her husband Randy.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Hammer Scott Rosser and John Stevens Rosser. He is also preceded in death by the mother of his daughters, Virginia (Ginger) Moore Rosser.

Anyone wishing to make donations to Sparta Church in lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Sparta Cemetery, c/o Brenda Baker, 5726 Hwy 35 South, Holcomb, MS 38940. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).