Thomas “Tom” Hinton Windham III entered into the presence of Jesus on Thursday, May 5, 2022. He was 70. Tom was born to Thomas and Thelma Windham on March 15, 1952 in Orange, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David Windham. Tom is survived by his wife, Nina Windham; his children, Thomas Windham IV, Travis Windham, Meredith Windham, and Melissa Neill; his grandchildren, Aleigha Raymer, Thomas Windham, Nora Neill, Ruby Windham, Nathan Neill, Levi Morris, Rose Neill, and Leona Morris; and by his sister, Jill Turner.
Tom was a gifted artist, poet, and dreamer. A rare talent, his career as an artist spanned six of his seven decades on earth. It began with drawings of The Beatles that he sold to classmates for a nickel. After college, Tom became the staff artist for American Angler magazine where he excelled for many years.
But the Lord’s plans for Tom were greater than his ambitions, and he was called to serve in The Way International Ministry where he was a beloved and prominent teacher. He taught classes and led fellowship and discipleship training. Tom also produced paintings, murals, and backdrops for the ministry. But, as it was in all seasons of his life, the most meaningful experiences for Tom were loving and helping people along their spiritual journeys.
That spirit continued to animate his work when he returned to his career as an artist. Tom was sought after for a number of high-profile clients and projects. Tom illustrated the Five Faces of Janis Joplin for her memorial in Port Arthur, TX, and his work is owned by Jimmy Johnson, the late Ann Richards, and other prominent clients. From Ohio to New Mexico, on the sides of buildings, in churches, libraries and even a saloon in Vinton, Louisiana, Tom’s work is a continued inspiration and blessing to all.
A master artist who would (and often did) work for smiles, Tom, nevertheless, always felt that he was more blessed in the exchange than his clients.
That relentless gratitude and love also defined who he was as a husband, father, and friend. He was known for his unconditional love, acceptance, and kindness to every person. But perhaps his greatest joy was the love of his life, Nina. He called her his anchor, and all agree. He said he would live to bless her in every way that he could, and so he did.
Tom was a deep believer in his Lord and lived every day in gratitude and trust. He embraced the joy of what is to come and met death filled with hope and peace.
Tom Windham’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 13th, 2022 at Fireman’s Park in Brenham, Texas from 11 am to 1:30 pm.
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