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Condolences:
Jeanette Reynolds
His kindness towards “Jack” during his illness will always be a bright memory. I was lucky to meet Tommy and learned to appreciate all the hours that Tommy spent with Jack to make his last few years more tolerable. I don’t think I had met anyone that kind. He will be greatly missed.
Derryl, Diane, and the rest of the Johnson Family
Tommy, you will be missed. Diane and I always looked forward to your smile and your words of humor, wisdom, and encouragement. The Johnson family thanks you for being a part of our lives. Rest in His arms. You deserve it! Our condolences to Joyce and the rest of the family.
Gene Giddens
Back in the 50's and years thereafter, if one thought of excellence in Fernandina's athletics, the first name that came to mind was Tommy Shave. He was a football scoring machine, exciting basketball point guard, and a fast sprinter on the track. Tommy was always a true gentleman, exhibited high moral character, and was both an Icon and legend in sports history, He was considered the best of the best all around. While Tommy will be missed, he will never be forgotten..
Family of Lucile G. McCloud
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.” – Anonymous The children of Lucile McCloud, Linda, Lenora, Gwendolyn and Jonathan, send love and sympathy to Mrs. Joyce Shave and her sons, Jeff and John Shave, as you mourn the loss of Thomas “Tommy” J. Shave, III, who transitioned from his earthly home to his eternal home, August 28, 2021. God, the greatest empathizer, understands what you are going through and will stay beside you. Know that death leaves a heartache no one can heal, and love leaves a memory no one can steal. So, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” – John 14:27.
Don Brown
One of the BEST FRIENDS and golfing partners one could hope for!
Thomas J. Shave, III
2021-08-27
Thomas Jefferson Shave III (Tommy) also lovingly known as “Papa” passed away on August 28, 2021 at the age of 83. Although vaccinated, the Covid virus took his life. Tommy was the son of Thomas J. Shave Jr. and Margaret Varn Shave who instilled in him love of family, love of God, and love of country.
Tommy was a native of Fernandina. He graduated from Fernandina High School in 1955. Known for his athletic prowess, especially carrying the football into the end zone, he received a football scholarship to Georgia Tech. Early in his freshman year an injury ended his football dreams. He continued his education at the University of Georgia where he graduated with a degree in Forestry and met his wife Joyce.
Love of family led Tommy to a love of pine trees and over his career, he worked in many related fields. He began working for his family’s business leading crews harvesting pine gum for turpentine. Later he started T.J. Shave Timber Co., working in the pulpwood part of the industry. When he tired of labor- intensive work, he became General Manager of Varn Wood Products, again working in the family business, from which he retired. Tommy was still an active board member of K.S. Varn, Inc. upon his death.
Tommy coached Pop Warner football and Little League Baseball and later spent time as a Little League umpire. To this day, many relate positive experiences they appreciated during his coaching years.
Through all the phases of his life, his love of golf remained a constant. From his youth, he won many tournaments and over the years his talent never left him. When he turned 50, he spent a year practicing and considering the Senior Tour, however, it didn’t take long for him to realize that travel was not for him.
Tommy has been an active member of First Assembly of God in Fernandina since giving his life to Christ in his mid 40’s. He loved to share his testimony of the grace of a loving Savior. He served as a Deacon for many years at First Assembly and especially loved working in the Food Ministry and the Homeless Ministry.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce, his sons Jeff and Jon, daughter-in-law Meredith, his grandchildren, Cisco and Katy, his brother Ben and wife Gail, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and Joyce’s family. He also leaves behind grandchildren and great-grandchildren, not of his blood, but loved as his own, Jimi, Murphy, Willow, Jameson, Bobby, Cheyenne, and Little Bobby.
Funeral services, under the direction of Oxley Heard Funeral Home, will be held on Friday, September 3 at First Assembly of God, 302 S.14th Street, Fernandina. Visitation with family will be at 10:00 and service at 11:00. There will be a private burial at Bosque Bello Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coalition of the Homeless of Nassau County or Barnabas Center.
If attending the service, please wear a mask and practice social distancing as there will be many vulnerable family and friends in attendance. In an effort to protect loved ones, there will be no bereavement dinner.
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