Thomas Gordon Emerick's Obituary
Thomas Gordon Emerick, 76, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on November 8, 2024. Born December 8, 1947, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Rusty and Madge (Warner) Emerick, Thomas led a remarkable life marked by service, leadership, and generosity.
After graduating from Muskogee High School, Thomas pursued higher education at the University of Central Oklahoma, earning his MBA. A proud veteran, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. In 1976, he married the love of his life, Patricia, in Oklahoma City, and together they built a life full of love and purpose.
Thomas had a distinguished professional career, retiring as Vice President of Employee Benefits at Walmart before founding Emerick Consulting, a healthcare consulting business. His expertise and innovative thinking earned him national recognition, including being named by Forbes Magazine in 2013 as one of thirteen people to watch in business. He co-authored the best-selling book Cracking Health Costs, leaving a lasting impact on healthcare reform and cost management. His contributions to the field earned him the title of Distinguished Alumni from the University of Central Oklahoma and the honor of becoming the first inductee into the Validation Institute Hall of Fame by the World Health Congress.
Thomas was deeply committed to his community. He served on the board of the Children's Safety Center and was an active member of Fellowship Bible Church in Springdale, where he generously shared his expertise by teaching financial classes. A passionate advocate for helping others, he dedicated himself to empowering individuals through financial planning, retirement preparation, and trust establishment.
Known for his vibrant sense of humor and warm hospitality, Thomas loved to entertain, filling his home with laughter and joy. He cherished lifelong friendships, maintaining close ties with his Navy comrades and childhood friends from Muskogee. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support touched the lives of all who knew him.
Thomas’s legacy is one of love, leadership, and service—a life lived with purpose and a heart dedicated to making a difference. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he enriched.
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