Tommy E. Mitchum

Former State Representative Tommy E. Mitchum, 76, of Batesville peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with family members by his side on Monday, December 22, 2025 at White River Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Georgia Pearl Mitchum; and grandson, Brady West.

Not only did Tommy love his family and friends, he also dearly loved animals, especially his dogs, Buddy, Jasper and Sebastian. Tommy would always say you could tell a lot about a person in how they treated animals.

Tommy is survived by his brother, Johnny (Becky) Mitchum of Maumelle; his former wife, Janet Mitchum of Pleasant Plains; and their children, Brian (Jamie) of Bella Vista and Rachel Mitchum of Southside. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Isaac and Hope Mitchum, and Haven Hahn; along with nephew, Gil and nieces, Sarah, Ashley and Olivia; numerous great nephews, Hunter, Wil, Pierce, John Paul, Carter and John Thomas.

Born on July 17, 1949 in Batesville, he was a 1967 graduate of Southside High School. At an early age Tommy was asked by a grade school teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up and he said he wanted to an “epidemic”, which in a metaphoric sense means someone who has behaviors or traits that are perceived as being highly “contagious” and rapidly spreading through society. Anyone that knew Tommy well would say he accomplished his goal. A common statement from Tommy’s friends and family is “There will never be another Tommy Mitchum.”

Tommy was known for living life to the fullest with being richly blessed in family, friendships, and experiences. His passion for life was reflected in his desire to serve his fellow man and community. Tommy was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1972 at the age of 23, making him one of the youngest members ever elected to the House. During his 20 years in the House, Tommy had numerous accomplishments with his greatest personal achievements being his work with the Arkansas State Police (ASP), where he sponsored numerous pieces of legislation, served as a spokesperson for the ASP Association, and developed many life-long friendships throughout law enforcement. A key piece of legislation Tommy sponsored was one of the toughest DWI enforcement bills to have ever been passed at the time to protect citizens from drunk drivers. Tommy continued to serve the community with his involvement in North Arkansas Human Services (later to become Health Resources of Arkansas) serving as the chairman of the board with a focus on bringing mental health and chemical dependency treatment to multiple counties throughout the state of Arkansas. Tommy would continue to serve in government through his appointment by Governor Asa Hutchinson as a Civil Enforcement Liaison with the Department of Human Services (DHS). Tommy also served on the Morgan Nick Foundation.

There will be a family greeting of friends at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 26, 2025 at Maple Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Rosie (4225 Newport Rd) with a celebration of life service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Curt Howard officiating. Speakers will include Todd Childers (New Hope Refuge Director), friend, Dan Johnson and Johnny Mitchum.

There will be a private burial service for the family at Egner Cemetery in Salado under the direction of Qualls Funeral Homes.

Honorary pallbearers are Dan Johnson, Paul Strecker, Bobby Walker, Larry Pinkston, John Yarbrough, Shelby Moore, Andrew Marsch, Ron Bates, John Davis, Paul Holifield, John David Morgan, Scott Lancaster, Doug Smith, Keith Harmon, Rocky Wilmuth, Dale Cole, Jonathan Freiert and Jeffrey Freiert.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any of the 3 following organizations: Humane Society of Independence County (5 Enviromental Dr. Batesville, AR 72501), New Hope Refuge (10 Bell Grove Rd. Batesville, AR 72501 or cashapp @ $newhoperefuge619), or SNIC (Spay Neuter Impact Coalition) at 169 Mount Springs Rd. Batesville, AR 72501.