Tommy “Toad” Nolan Cauley, 64 of Bee Branch, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on December 5, 2025. He was born in Conway, Arkansas on December 26, 1960, to the late Ralph Nolan Cauley and Barbara Ann Coggins Cauley.
A beloved outdoorsman, mentor, and friend, Tommy passed leaving behind a legacy woven deeply into the waters, woods, and communities of Arkansas. His love for the outdoors began early, and by 1965 he was already fishing on Greers Ferry Lake — a passion that would shape the rest of his life.
In 1994, Tommy turned that passion into his profession, becoming a fishing guide for hire and eventually owning his own guide business FishFinder Guide Service. He spent five years competing in the professional EverStart Bass Series circuit and contributed fish-finder reports to multiple outlets through the years, sharing his knowledge with anglers across the region. He was known not only for his skill, but for his eagerness to teach, especially to youth and members of the community who looked up to him.
Tommy’s dedication extended far beyond the lake. He helped establish several conservation groups across Arkansas and served as president of Fish, and More Fish! of Greers Ferry. He also founded the Bee Branch chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was involved in the grassroots effort to legalize medical marijuana in Arkansas, always passionate about causes he believed would help others. His commitment to conservation and community service inspired many, and his leadership made a lasting impact across the state.
He was involved in major fundraising tournaments benefiting Arkansas Children’s Hospital and programs for handicap youth, always using his gifts to help others. Tommy also worked numerous boat shows throughout the South teaching seminars and electronics, promoting both the sport he loved and the importance of outdoor stewardship.
A man of many interests, Tommy had a lifelong love for running hound dogs whom he had a lifelong passion of hunting with and could talk to anyone about nearly any subject. He never met a stranger — people were naturally drawn to his warmth, stories, and endless wealth of knowledge.
From 1980 to 2000, he was part of the concert security team for Open Air Productions, working, shows across the region and forming friendships that lasted decades.
Tommy touched countless lives, whether on the water, in the woods, at a community event, or simply in conversation. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his influence will continue to ripple outward for years to come.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Standridge; brother-in-law, Whit Dean, and a beloved fiend, Margorie Summers.
Tommy is survived by his sisters, Cathy Dean, Connie (Roy) Spiller, Julie (Terry) Dickerson; nieces and nephews, Travis, Anthony, Rebekah, Brooke (Steve), Whitney (Dustin),Nick, Jake, and Marisa (Michael); great nieces and nephews, Haley, Barrett, Brandon, Xander, Rilyn, MaKenlee, Emma, Sawyer, Jaxon; and a host of family and friends.
Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Bee Branch Baptist Church.
Funeral will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Bee Branch Baptist Church with Brother Steven Leonard officiating.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Tommy "Toad" Nolan Cauley, please visit our flower store.
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