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Mike and kim marsh
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of mr Thomas many prayers from all of us here at Island Bar B Q.
Malcom Cason
Gene will truly be missed. I'm thankful for his love that he had for family and he showed it. I could't think of a better family for my daughter to be in.
SUE MIDDLETON
IT IS TRUE THAT WHEN YOU MET HIM HE HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE. WHEN YOU LEFT HIM YO HAD A SMILE ON YOURS! MR. GENE was a wonderful friend and a great father to his sons. An AMAZING HUSBAND TO MRS SHERI. ALWAYS A GREAT FRIEND. He will not only be missed by his family. He will be missed by anyone and everyone who ever knew him. See you someday soon MR. GENE.
Sheri, your loving wife
You left me beautiful memories. Your love is still my guide and though I can no longer see you, I know you’re by my side.
Rick and Sheryl
We will forever remember Gene as our beloved friend and neighbor. He cared for all of us in so many ways. A surprise T Ray’s burger, eradicating fire ants, a friendly discussion about Gators and Bulldogs! It was obvious he loved his wife, his sons and their families, and his extended family. He was a proud Marine and loved and served not only our country, but fellow military men and women. He helped countless veterans. We will miss him terribly but are so thankful for the legacy he leaves behind. Until we see you again, dear friend!
Thomas Eugene Townsend, Sr.
2024-08-23
Thomas Eugene Townsend, Sr., of Fernandina Beach FL, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 in his home Friday, August 23rd., after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Thomas was born in Townsend (McIntosh County) GA on July 31, 1946 and spent the majority of his youth in Darien, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arley and Hazel Townsend of Darien GA, his brother, Arley Tavy Townsend (Eleanor, dea.) and sisters, Joanne Hope (Clifford, dea.), Connie Davis (Paul) and Patricia Morse (Leonard, dea.).
Thomas graduated from Glynn Academy High School, Brunswick GA, in 1965. After being drafted by the Army, he joined the U. S. Marine Corps in January 1966. Serving in the Vietnam War, Thomas received four Purple Hearts for his service and was discharged from the USMC in January 1969, after receiving significant combat-related injuries. Following his discharge, he began a long career with the U.S. Postal Service, Jacksonville FL retiring in March 2005, to help Granny care for their grandchildren. Thomas was a long-time resident of Yulee and Fernandina Beach FL. He continued his service via his participation with local veterans’ organizations, such as VFW Post 4351 and American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1088, Yulee FL, where he served on their color guard and actively assisted and supported the efforts of military men and women with disabilities. Additionally, many young men fondly remember Thomas as their championship little league baseball coach.
Thomas is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Sharon Cross Townsend, two sons, Thomas E. Townsend, Jr. (Stephanie) of Fernandina Beach FL and Terrence J. Townsend (Sara) of Stafford VA, three grandsons, Trent Gardner Townsend of Middletown PA, Thomas Mason Townsend of Fernandina Beach FL, and Miles Cason Townsend of Fernandina Beach FL, a sister, Maude Porter (Edward, dea.) of Brunswick GA, a sister-in-law, Rebecca C. Miles of Jacksonville FL, two brothers-in-law, James E. Ellison (Deborah L., dea.) of Middleburg FL and D. Michael Crawford (Nikki L., dea.) of Yulee FL and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Affectionately known as "Papa" or "Uncle Gene", to know Thomas was to love him. His life was God, family, friends, veterans, and the Georgia Bulldogs. Thomas lived life with a zest and zeal that was infectious and inspiring. Whenever you met him, he had a smile on his face. Whenever you left him, you had a smile on yours. He loved working with the younger members of his family at the family cemetery in Townsend GA, honoring those who had gone before. He spent many years actively participating in local and veterans’ functions and was known as the unofficial “mayor” by his neighbors.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 3:00 until 5:00 PM at Oxley Heard Funeral Directors, 1305 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach FL. A graveside service, officiated by Mr. Earl Townsend, will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville FL on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10:30 AM with military honors.
Rather than flowers, to honor his life of service to family, country, friends, and community, the Townsend family humbly requests any donations be made in his respects to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1088 Scholarship Fund, 463688 FL-200, Yulee FL 32097.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com
OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS
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