Thomas F. Tomlinson Jr.'s Obituary
Thomas F. Tomlinson, Jr., age 86 of Alachua, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2014 in E.T. York Care Center. He was born August 7, 1928 in Waynesboro, Georgia to Thomas and Bernice Register Tomlinson. Tommy earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1952 and Master’s degree in 1956, both from the University of Florida; he then earned his Doctorate in 1981 from Nova University. In 1955, Tommy moved to Gainesville from Mayo, Florida, where he became classroom teacher and basketball coach at Buchholz Junior High School. He also served as assistant principal and principal before moving to Alachua County District Office.
During his 25 years at the District Office, he held positions as Assistant to the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Interim Superintendent twice and retired as Deputy Superintendent. The important issues during this time included teacher strikes, teacher union matters, student pregnancy and the student long hair controversy. The rapid increase in student enrollment that resulted in the overcrowded schools and double sessions required decisions involving pupil assignment, total integration, student cross-bussing, zoning and other related matters. He retired in December of 1991 with 40 years of service in education.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret Amerine Tomlinson; two sons, Tony Craig Tomlinson (Linda) and Bruce Warren Tomlinson (Sharon); one daughter, Frances Irene Fernandez (Pepé); seven grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah), Craig, Cory (Kristina), Randall, Cara, Marc (Kaitlin) and Chris and four great grandchildren, T.R., Anna, Lily and Landon.
Funeral Services celebrating Tommy’s life will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Avenue. Those who wish may make memorials to the Alachua County School Foundation, Tommy Tomlinson Scholarship, 1725 SE 1st Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32641.
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