Tommy Dwain Sullivan was born October 13, 1959 to Caleb Joshua Sullivan and Gwendolyn Jean Bayless in Big Spring, Texas. He died Monday, April 30, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.He is survived by his wife, Valarie Sullivan; his three children, Ginger Herrod and husband, Dustin, Joshua Sullivan and wife, Louann, and Shawna Privett all of Big Spring; five grandchildren, Austin Herrod, Sylas Privett, Esan Sullivan, Lorelei Herrod and Wyatt Sullivan; three sisters, Claudia Turner of Bangs, Lou Pardy and husband, Doug of Murray, Kentucky, and Gwen Ray and husband, Pat of Big Spring; two brothers, Robert Sullivan and wife Ila of Cedar Hill, and William Sullivan of Big Spring.He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Caleb Joshua Sullivan, Jr.Tommy attended and graduated from Big Spring High School in 1978. He held many jobs from oilfield electrician lineman, security guard at the V.A., security supervisor at the Fina Refinery, and as director for Howard County 911. He joined the Volunteer Fire Department in 1983 and worked his way up to Chief in 1993, where he remained for 25 years. He has many accomplishments, but most notable was his role in extinguishing the Alon Refinery fire in 2008. He was known by family and friends as “Chief”. Chief Tommy Sullivan was a leader of the community, giving his time to serve the citizens of Howard County. His beautiful heart and amazing strength through adversity poured into the Howard County community day in and day out. Everyone who met him found a hero in him in some way or the other; whether it was through the fire department or as a paramedic. He will be missed.Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum at Howard College.In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Volunteer Fire Department or to Pancreatic Cancer Research.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
