RICHARDSON, Texas — Thomas Buckner “Tommy” Guilbert Jr. passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2014. He was 74.

A native of Vicksburg, he was a 1958 graduate of Carr Central High School and received his bachelor’s in music education and master’s in music education from Northeast Louisiana State College.

He began his band-directing career in Mississippi and Louisiana, and became best known for his bands at Richardson JJ Pearce High School. His career in sales included Henco Inc., Express Industries, and he later became an educational consultant for Brook Mays Music.

In 2001, he became conductor and artistic director of the Plano Community Band, conducting his final performance on May 4. His professional memberships include the Texas Band Masters Association, Phi Beta Mu, Peak Music Festival Board and president-elect of the Association of Concert Bands.

He is survived by his wife, Denise; children, Mark, Stephanie and John; grandchildren, Brandon, Alex, Daniel, Steven, Amanda and Sophia; and sister, Madelyn Stubbs.

A celebration of his life will be Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Custer Road United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, memorials may be made to the Plano Community Band (www.planoband.com).