Paul Thomas Fortune, "Tom", age 72, of Jacksonville, AR, passed away on September 22, due to a brief illness. Tom was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 19, 1952, in Ponca City, OK to William R. "Bill" and Willa Marie Fortune (Ulin) and moved to Houston shortly after.

Tom graduated from Westbury High School in Houston, then went on to college earning his degree at San Marcos State. He spent more time playing and singing music, and sneaking out to ride bulls, than he did studying.

Tom always wanted to be in law enforcement and went to the Police Academy in Houston. In 1983 Tom and his family moved to Northwest Arkansas. He started working for the Benton County Sherriff's Office Reserves and eventually became a full-time officer. He progressed through the ranks and eventually became Captain of Criminal Investigation.

Tom met Kathy (Womack) in 1997. After dating long distance for a time, Tom moved to the Little Rock area to join her, and they were married on May 28, 2003. They shared a very loving marriage, raising and training many dogs over the years. He always had a special place in his heart for his dog Willow.

After moving to Little Rock, Tom joined the Pulaski County Sherriff's office and finished his career in law enforcement as an officer on the campus of Pulaski Technical College.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marie, and brothers, William "Buddy" Fortune Jr. and Harry "Gene" Fortune.

Remaining to cherish Tom's memory are Kathy; his children, Tommy Fortune (Felicia Springstead) and Jeremy Fortune (Annisha Fortune); and grandchildren, Kyla Fortune, Kyle Fortune, and Matthew Fortune.

The funeral will be a private ceremony, remembering Tom in the presence of close family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.