Thomas Major

Thomas Henry Major went to be with the Lord on February 7, 2023 with his loving daughters by his side. During his final days, he was surrounded by his family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Mariposa Reception Hall, Burleson, TX on Saturday, March 4 from 2:00 till 5:00 pm. A Memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Milford, TX on Sunday, March 5 at 3:00 pm.
Tommy or Tom as he was known by many, was born on July 21, 1941 in Waxahachie, TX. He was doted on as the first of many grandchildren in his parents’ families. He learned the value of hard work on the family farm and with his Dad at the cotton gin. Tommy graduated from Milford High School in 1959, where he was a popular student well known for his athletic ability and was voted “most handsome” in his class.

After high school, he attended the University of Texas in Arlington. While in college, he applied for a job at the newly opened Six Flags Over Texas. That job marked the beginning of a lifetime career in the theme park/entertainment business; an industry he loved for bringing smiles and excitement to so many.

In 1961, while working as a ride operator for Six Flags Over Texas, Tom’s enthusiasm for his work earned the attention of his bosses. From 1964 to 1965 he was one of just two Six Flags employees selected to operate the Log Flume ride at the World’s Fair in Flushing, New York. It was an experience he remembered with awe and humor throughout his life.

In 1966, Tom's theme park career was put on hold when he was drafted into the Army. He was selected for officers’ candidate school and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1967. He proudly served and was deployed to Vietnam in 1968-69. He served in Company A, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Division of the 198th Light Infantry Brigade-Americal Division. He was awarded a bronze star for his actions during the battle of Kham Duc and was honorably discharged as a Captain in May of 1970. His military friends often teased him for creating a new rank: “Captain Major”!

Following his time in the Army, Tom returned to work for Six Flags Theme Parks. For 35 years, he dedicated his time and energy to a company he believed in. His positions ranged from lower level management to several VP titles, including one overseeing new product development for the corporate office. Tom relocated many times at the company’s request, working at Six Flags parks in St. Louis, Georgia, New Jersey (twice), Michigan, and Texas. He retired as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Following his retirement Tom continued to “entertain” and one of his cherished roles was in the Museum of Natural History in New York City. He recounted being there on 9/11 as a very eerie but patriotic day. After relocating to Wichita Falls, Texas, he was the general manager at Castaway Cove Waterpark until his retirement.

Tom loved roller coasters and often commented that riding one was the best way to “get your heart started in the morning”. His favorite ride was the Texas Giant, one he shepherded through construction and installation at Six Flags Over Texas. Tom was dedicated to an industry that made people smile, and brought excitement to their lives. Those who knew him appreciated this aspect of his character, which he enjoyed sharing with his friends and family whenever he could.

Tom was a man of few words, but hard work and competition drove him. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing, traveling, and watching Dallas Cowboys football. He was incredibly proud of his daughters and adored his grandchildren. His retirement dream of living on a lake was something he enjoyed for several years before moving to assisted living in recent years. Tom was preceded in death by his father Byron Thomas (B.T.) Major and mother Helen Beatty Major. He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Dempsey and husband Pete, Jessica Branham and husband Matt, his sisters, Carol Jean Major and Dianne Major, his brother David Major, his grandchildren Emerson and Robbie Branham, his nephews, Jason Marbut and wife Toni, and Adam Marbut, many friends and extended family members.

His final resting place will be in the Dallas- Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tom’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation for veterans and first responders at:

garysinisefoundation.org/donate

Or by check made out and mailed to:
Gary Sinise Foundation