Thomas "Tom" Allen Burroughs' Obituary
Thomas "Tom" Allen Burroughs, age 73, of Gainesville, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 6, 2022 surrounded by his family. Tom was born on January 20, 1949 in Orangeburg, South Carolina to Ivan Austin and Mildred Alene Thomas Burroughs, Sr.
Tom grew up in Riverview, Florida and graduated from East Bay High School. He attended Balm Baptist Church. He proudly served in the US Navy as a Radarman, both on the USS Salute, a minesweeper, and the USS Sellers, a destroyer, during the Vietnam War Era. He was stationed out of Charleston, South Carolina throughout his tour of duty.
Tom was both a devout Christian and loving family man. To all who knew him, those two truths were clearly evident. As a younger man one of Tom’s greatest joys was teaching young children in Sunday School. He loved it when, even years later, those then young adults would joyfully greet him and call him Mr. Tom.
He loved sports and being outdoors, usually surrounded by his children and their many friends. In his younger days, he played softball for the church league. He played football in high school, and that love carried over to watching his favorite teams on TV in later years. He proudly announced that he had never missed a Super Bowl game. In later years, playing Fantasy Football with his family was a true joy. But his overall favorite sport was golf. An avid golfer, he could often be found on the links with his golfing buddies. Another great joy was traveling.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Leanne Lanza Burroughs; one daughter, Kim Marie Jacobs and one son, Steven Thomas Burroughs (Andrea); one brother, Ivan Austin Burroughs, Jr. (Virginia); five grandchildren, Christopher Michael Jacobs, Sydney Taylor Burroughs, Alanna Jeanne Burroughs, Kendall Bryn Burroughs and Kinsey Eden Burroughs.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Ann Cort.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at The Summit Baptist Church, 18915 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs with Pastors Tony Parker and John Jernigan officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. In Tom’s honor, and given his love of golf, the family invites those who may wish to, to wear golf shirts. If not, please feel free to dress comfortably.
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