Rev. Tommy Arinder

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Victory Baptist Church in Bassfield for Rev. Thomas “Tommy” Richard Arinder, who passed away on Monday, February 11 at his home in Hattiesburg surrounded by his family. Interment followed at Vaiden Cemetery in Vaiden, MS. Saulters Moore Funeral Home of Prentiss is in charge of all arrangements. Rev. Donnie McKnight officiated. Pall bearers were Patrick Parker, Richard Dunn, Robert Dunn, Jessie Dunn, Earl Hathorn and Hal Bullock. Honorary pall bearers were the Deacons of Victory Baptist Church. Rev. Thomas “Tommy” Arinder was born on October 29, 1942 in Winona, MS to Thomas Vester “Shorty” Arinder and Eleanor “Nonnee” Wright Arinder Miles. He attended Vaiden High School graduating in 1960. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture & Economics from MS State University. He worked for Guaranty Bank & Trust in Belzoni, MS. He received his Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA in 1979. He served as pastor of Eastside Baptist Church in Belzoni, MS; Bassfield Baptist Church in Bassfield, MS; Immanuel Baptist Church in Cleveland, MS; Concord Baptist Church in Yazoo City, MS; and Victory Baptist Church in Bassfield, MS. He devoted more than 37 years to sharing the love of Christ to others. In his spare time he could be found on the golf course with family and friends. He loved competing with the Delta Senior Golfers and felt it gave him a unique opportunity to share his faith. Rev. Arinder is survived by his wife, Patricia Harman Arinder of Hattiesburg; his sons, Tim Arinder (Gretta) of Yazoo City and Tom Arinder of Hattiesburg; his daughter Denise White (Chad) of Hattiesburg. He is also the proud “Papa” of a grandson, Taylor Arinder of Yazoo City and three precious granddaughters, Alayna Arinder of Yazoo City and Avery & Ella White of Hattiesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father, Dan Miles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Baptist Church, 6262 N. Williamsburg Rd., Bassfield, MS 39421. Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.