Thomas Elgin Dorsey

Thomas Elgin Dorsey, “Tommy”, but most importantly known as “PawPaw”, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Tommy was born in Oxford, Mississippi, on August 1, 1947 to Warren Candler Dorsey, Sr. and Karleen Ramsey Dorsey.

Preceded in death by his loving parents, Tommy is survived by one brother Warren Candler Dorsey, Jr. (Suzan); two daughters Anne McCauley (Michael); Alexandra Smith (Kristopher); seven grandchildren: Ashlyn, Amery, Tommy (“Smart Tommy”), Sarah Jane, Bryson, Charlie, and Krislynn; one great grandchild on the way; and two nephews Benton and Daniel Dorsey. Tommy is also survived by his devoted partner and traveling companion of 30+ years Catherine Barksdale, her two children Edward Gibson (Susan) and Russell Barksdale, and was known as “Faux” Paw to Edward’s three children: Ellen, Catie, and Cash. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Dinah “Madison” Bowen.

A fan of the great outdoors and long road trips, he enjoyed traveling with his family. From the West Coast to the East Coast, Tommy logged hundreds of miles throughout the country on foot, by bike, and by kayak, tackling such feats as hiking the John Muir Trail and summiting the highest mountain in the contiguous U.S. Mount Whitney, riding the length of the Katy bike trail, and paddling to Horn Island and down the Buffalo River. He also thoroughly enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren, Kansas City football, and a good IPA.

Tommy was a singer, which is a talent he continued to develop long after his days of singing with the Murrah High School Singers. He was a dedicated choir member at St Peters by the Lake in Brandon, MS, and later at St Phillips Episcopal Church in Jackson, MS. He went on to sing in the chorus with the Mississippi Opera performing in such productions as The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, and Rigoletto.

Tommy was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he also played football, and after graduation served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He retired from a career in public service as Director of Law Enforcement, Mississippi Department of Transportation. He also served the State of Mississippi through his service in the Attorney General’s office and the Governor’s office. He developed a program after Hurricane Katrina awarding grants to artists, who he recognized are a vital part of the culture and economy of the Mississippi Coast. Two million dollars was dispensed to artists along the coast for their recovery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 24, 2025, 11:30 AM at Christ Church in Bay St Louis, MS.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi Foundation or Mississippi Public Broadcasting Foundation. Please indicate Tommy Dorsey Memorial on the memo line of the check. Donations to MPB can be made online at mpbonline.org and then send an email to lisa@mpbfoundation.org to notate a donation was made in memory of Tommy Dorsey and request to notify Anne McCauley.

Tommy handled all things with grace and humor, and he helped us understand and interpret life with compassion and wisdom. To be with him was to laugh. To know him was to be loved.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Thomas "Tommy" Elgin Dorsey.