Thomas Brandon Carruth Jr.

Thomas Brandon Carruth Jr. of Oklahoma City passed away into the arms of his Savior on October 13, 2026. He was born on October 6, 1941, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Thomas Brandon Carruth Sr. and Edith Juanita Carruth (nee Williams).

Thomas will be remembered for his deep and abiding faith in Jesus, his generous spirit, and his love for his family and friends.

Thomas had many accomplishments and successes in life and excelled in many areas. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Agriculture and Applied Science.

After college, he went to work for Borden Chemical during the mid-century industrial boom and advances in manufacturing technologies. He became a top producer and was named Salesman of the Year in 1970.

During that same time in 1968 he was recruited to play semi-pro football with the newly formed Fort Worth Braves as a linebacker. He was a part of a powerhouse defense team that carried the team to a 10-2 season winning the western conference of the Texas Football league. His football career was short-lived though after an injury ended his playing time.

Tom went on to work for several of the major food manufacturers during an era of expansive growth in the industry. He worked for Glover Meat Packing, John Morrell, Tyson Foods, Farm Fresh Catfish and Hormel Foods all dominating the industry with innovations in food production. Thomas excelled at each company earning a reputation as a skilled closer and winning many sales records and accolades.

Thomas also had a keen entrepreneurial spirit. In the late 1970s, he left the food industry and went into business with his sister, and together they formed an advertising company in Waco, Texas. In later years, he also owned a food brokerage business and ended his career with a contracting and home improvement business.

While Thomas had many personal achievements and successes in life, his true passion and mission was to see all his friends and family come to a saving knowledge of and relationship with Jesus.

He had a deep compassion for the suffering in this world. His own personal tragedies gave him a tender sensitivity to the struggles of others, and he quietly helped people in need by giving generously of his time and resources. Over the years, he gave to many charities, ministries and causes. Tom was the epitome of 2 Corinthians 9:7—“a cheerful giver.” He would often say, “I don’t own anything; it all belongs to the Lord. I’m just a steward.” He believed it, and he lived it.

Thomas was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathryn; his parents, Thomas Brandon Carruth Sr. and Edith Juanita Carruth (nee Williams); his son, Gary Carruth; his granddaughter, Sommer Carruth; his brother, Darryl Carruth; and his sister, Diane Robertson.

He is survived by his son, Brandon Carruth; son, Kenny Erickson; his daughter, Stephanie Adams; his grandchildren, Jairn Janecka, Jordan Janecka, Jamie Janecka, Ben Adams, Emily Carruth, Elyssa (Chase) Cammack, Amber Carruth, Jade Carruth, and Thomas James Carruth, Nicholas Erickson and Ryan Erickson; his sister, Patti Durrett; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the many charity organizations that were near and dear to Thomas's heart.

2 Timothy 4:7–8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”