Birth date: Jul 24, 1949 Death date: Jul 10, 2017
Thomas Harold Staley of Micanopy, Florida, died at his home on July 10, 2017 of cancer. He was 67 years old. Many will remember Tom foremost as a musician. He began his lifelong love of music by learning guitar and harmonica in t Read Obituary
I just found this online! Tommy was my best friend across from us on 86th street in Virginia Beach during the 1950’s. I have wondered all these years what had become of him, and so sorry to have missed contacting him. It would be wonderful to get a note from Susan ‘Doodie’ or Jimmy. I am John Fuquay, now living in West Virginia. [email protected]
Tom and I go back 25 years. We connected on many levels. His love of nature, folk traditions, antiques, and the town we both shared, Micanopy Fl. We spent many an day on the mystic quest of the unknown acquisition as we scoured Florida for the historic treasures of our state. When together we shared many a laugh, his biggest at my expense. One day when boarding his boat it slipped out from under me and I took a dive. I'll never forget the initial shock on his face that quickly turned to a huge guffaw, as my wet body emerged over the edge of the boat. We were friends that didn't crowd one another as we each had busy lives. But the time we spent together was special. I felt Tom was always stretching himself as he actively persued his busy schedule, usually some selfless act for a friend, club or organization. I was always happy when he called and asked to come over as I felt he needed a refuge, a glass of wine and a place to elevate his feet. I admired Tom. He knew what was right or wrong, and was straight to the point and bound to an inherent moral code, but never a critic. A special friend who will be greatly missed. Still I know one day we will reconnect on the big beautiful island of immortal souls and share more laughs.
See ya buddy.
I so enjoyed Tom and Faye playing music together.
I knew Tom first through my cousin Paige, who we loved dearly. Tom loaned me several awesome books about longleaf pines and Florida history that gave me a real appreciation for how Florida used to be. Sending my love and sympathy to Fay and Lee.
Tom would come over to visit Rob and they would scour the yard for long leaf pine cones. I was not home for these visits but they were a high point of my homebody Rob's week.
Tom enjoyed going to Hospice Attic and I would run into him there. He would see bargains and purchase them for someone he thought would like them. I remember one day he was standing in front of a shelf with 3 little glasses on it. They were different colors and shapes but clearly a set. He said he wanted two of them but hated to leave the third one alone. He kind of laughed because it was so silly but it seemed to make sense to me. I bought the third one so it would not be left behind. I have it now sitting beside a long leaf pine cone as a memorial.
Diane Dimperio
I remember...
making wine with him, met David at his and Fay's house, bought my first banjo from him, playing old time tunes together, him showing me his corkscrew collection and orange grove, him and Lee together (what a pair) and many more pictures in my head. What a cantankerous and lovable guy! My love and prayers for Fay and Lee.
Annie McPherson
I will miss Tom and his keen eye for art as a fellow collector. Fantastic human being, we will miss you, sir!
Each year I come to town I try to hit as many Weds. nite pickin`s as possible. I always enjoyed his music and he always remembered my love of ice cream. I still have the rubber alligator he gave me on a lark one time..
