Fallen Hero: Corporal Thomas “Trex” Pickens, IV

Rankin

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Funeral Home

Sharkey Funeral Home

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Obituary

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero have been released from duty, passed from our ranks on July 21, 2021, and moved on to his heavenly home. Corporal Thomas “Trex” Pickens, IV, age 31, a retired member of the MS Army National Guard who had served within 1^st Battalion, 155^th Infantry Regiment has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life.  We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed:  “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service.  We thank you for your service.  Without your efforts and your families’ support, this country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done.  Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Obituary

December 19, 1989 – July 21, 2021, Thomas Rex Pickens IV (31), better known to those who loved him as Trex, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. There will be a visitation on Saturday, July 24 from 2:30-3:30 at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit followed by a small, private service for family. Trex was born on December 19, 1989 in McComb, MS to Thomas Pickens III and Cecilia Taylor-Pickens. He joined the Army National Guard in 2011 and faithfully served his country for eight years.  While deployed in 2018, Trex met his wife Ashley Walters Pickens. They were married after returning home in 2019 and welcomed their little girl Tayla Rae Pickens in February 2021. Tayla was truly his greatest joy, and now he will watch over her as she grows. Trex was a devoted son and father, and he was cherished as a little brother and uncle. He was full of life; there were always laughs to be had when he was around. Trex was also the most giving person. He would give freely, even when he himself was in need. Trex leaves behind a massive void in the hearts of his family and those who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Pickens III; his paternal grandparents, Thomas Pickens II and Rebecca Pickens; and maternal grandparents Cecil Taylor and Ina Mae Taylor-Robbins.

He is survived by his wife, Ashley Pickens; daughter, Tayla Rae Pickens; mother,

Cecilia Taylor-Pickens, brother, Pyran Taylor; sister, Jaime (Terry) Beadles; uncle,

Cecil (Jenny) Taylor; aunt, Leza Pickens-Nelson; niece Mackenzie Beadles; nephews, Aaron Beadles and Rowan Taylor; and many other friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a college fund for Trex’s daughter Tayla at Keesler Credit Union or to the Disabled American Veterans. The family thanks everyone for their heartfelt prayers and words of comfort. Trex was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.