Tommy Shands, Jr.

Tommy Lee Shands, Jr.  54, beloved father, brother, and son, was called to his eternal resting place on Friday, October 21, 2022. He entered this world on April 5, 1968, in Barstow, California, born to Tommy and Patricia Shands.

Tommy spent his childhood in Snyder, Texas, and then moved to Odessa, Texas, with his family. He proudly graduated from Permian High School in 1986 where he was elected Mr. PHS, an honor he would brag about to everyone. Tommy then attended Odessa College and later graduated from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos attaining his B.A. in Business. Here, he was a member of the cheer team.

Tommy spent the majority of his life in West Texas, mainly calling Odessa his home. Here he managed and operated Moxie Insurance Agency. He loved coming to work every day and forming relationships with his customers for the past 10 years. He cherished and worked hard to learn the ins and outs of the insurance industry so he could better protect his customers.

He loved spending time with his family. On the weekends, you could find him on the golf course. Tommy was an avid golfer and that was his favorite hobby. He made some of his best friendships on the course and never missed an opportunity to hit the links. Tommy loved going to many golf tournaments with his son and friends. He was a huge and beloved fan of the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys. He rarely missed their games.

Tommy’s greatest priority was his family. He was at every event cheering loudly and supporting his kids and grandkids. He especially loved going to their sporting events. Tommy bonded with his kids through sports whether it was golfing, watching them play, or watching sports together. He was very proud of his kids and would let everyone know. He enjoyed having the grand kids over to swim and spending quality time with them where he was known as Pawpaw.  He had a large family and an even larger heart. He never met a stranger. Tommy was always the life of the party, and everyone looked forward to his presence.

Tommy is survived by his mother, Patricia Shands of Odessa; sister and brother in law, Jenny and Michael Liverett currently of Ketchum, Idaho; sons, Lane and wife, Hallie Shands of Inez, Casey Shands of Stanton, TJ Shands of Stanton, Keith and wife, Chelsea Trower of Odessa; daughters, Lacey Harkey of Odessa, Vanessa and husband, Vince Gaona of Midland; grandchildren, Chandler, Laynee, Charlee, Chesney, Aaden, Channing, Winnie, and Mack. Tommy is also survived by his cherished friend, Kristi Shands and his uncles who played an important role in his life, Rocky Land of Snyder, Sandy Land of Mineral Wells, Baron Land of Fort Worth, and John Solla of Odessa, and numerous other loving cousins.

Tommy is preceded in death by his father, Tommy Shands Sr; aunts, Judy Stirman, Vicki Solla; uncle, Dusty Land; and cousin, Brandi Land.

A visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas, from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Memorial Service will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, October 28, 2022, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.

After the memorial service, the family invites anyone who would like to join to a round of golf and celebration of life for Tommy at Ratliff Ranch Golf Links, his home course, at 1:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made Tommy’s memory to the charity, Sky High for Kids.