Lionel Edwin Thomas

Lionel Edwin Thomas, 90, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loving family members on Saturday, December 20th, 2014. He was born September 29, 1924 to Houston and Alma Thomas in Manchester (Noah) Tennessee. He and his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Daisy Thomas, were married 68 years. They lived in Miami where Mr. Thomas was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was a lineman, foreman, and general foreman. He bid and oversaw many multimillion dollar projects. He also taught electrical apprenticeship classes as a certified instructor in Dade County, Florida. After selling their home in Miami, Lionel and Daisy live in a home they built in the Everglades for 5 years. He loved the Everglades. Upon retirement, Lionel and Daisy moved to Inglis, Florida. They were very active members of the Crystal River First Baptist Church. Mr. Thomas participated on many Boards and Councils and was a Deacon in the church. In 2004, Daisy and Lionel moved to Gainesville, Florida to be close to their children and grandchildren. Lionel Thomas enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and wildlife but most of all being with family. He leaves a loving legacy of memories as a husband, father (Dad), grand-father (Papa), and great grand-father (Papa). These treasured memories span many years: summer vacations to Tennessee, coaching baseball teams, times spent in the Everglades, his pet bear, summers spent with Papa, Papa dancing at his granddaughters weddings, the births and marriages of grandchildren, the trip "OUT WEST", and the births of great grandchildren. The most cherished though is the knowledge that Lionel Thomas loved, with all his heart, his loving wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren for who they were, unconditional love. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Daisy Hill Thomas; sister, Hellen Prosser, sister-in-law, Ruth Thomas and his children Glenn Thomas and wife Teresa, Deborah Ward and husband Robert, Dianne Valisalo and husband Henry (deceased), and honorary daughter Gail Hutchinson and husband Dave; and grandchildren Brad Dickerson and wife Becky, Chris Dickerson, and wife Betsy, Melissa Lemay and husband Roger, Elizabeth Rojas and husband Afidre, Bobby Ward and fiance Desiree, John Thomas, Joel Thomas, and Alaina Thomas; and great grandchildren, Charlie, Lexi, Ashlee, Kristen, Craig, Drew, Andre’a, Ali and Leland. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street with Rev. David Throckmorton officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service, beginning at 1:00 p.m at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Countryside Cemetery, 10926 NW 39th Ave.

Lionel Edwin Thomas

September 29, 1924 - December 20, 2014