Obituary of Winston F. Thomas

Winston F. Thomas, 89, of Ocala peacefully ended his life experience and joined his Savior on September 10, 2010 at the Tuscany Hospice House in Summerfield, Florida. He was born to Leila Mae and Clifford A. Thomas, Sr. in Ocala on June 10, 1921. He grew up the second of three sons in Reddick, Florida. He was a 1939 graduate of Reddick High School where he played football wearing #22 as the starting running back and playing basketball where he also excelled. He briefly attended the University of Florida. Winston served in the U.S. Army from 1942-45 in World War II where he participated in Operation Red Ball supporting the Third Army of General G.S. Patton, Jr. in their push to relieve besieged U.S. troops at Bastogne. Winston was a founding member of Marion Finance Company in Ocala and Gainesville in 1945 and General Manager and part owner until their sale in 1988. He was a respected and active downtown businessman. He was a 60 plus years member of The First United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge #286, Ocala Shrine Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a 32nd degree Mason. Winston was a sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing and boating and was a UF Football fan. He was predeceased by his parents, his wives Marilee Pasteur Thomas and Shirley Lindsey Thomas, and his brother, Ralph E. Thomas. Winston is survived by his daughters, Lina Thomas Boerstler (James) of Ocala, Anita Thomas Winter of Ocala, and son Terry L. Thomas of Ocala. He is also survived by his brother, Clifford A. Thomas, Jr. of Ocala, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, 3 nieces and an extended family. Winston is also survived by his loving and devoted friend, Linda Powell Ashworth of Summerfield. Winston Thomas lived his life well with integrity and loyalty. He was a quiet benefactor to many people and his memory is cherished. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala with the Funeral Service on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 11:00AM, also in the Hiers-Baxley Chapel. Burial will follow at the Millwood Cemetery, Reddick, FL. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Marion County or the Humane Society of Marion County.