Thomas Gwathney

Thomas "Tommy" Newell Gwathney went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 in Pensacola, FL at the age of 71. Tom is survived by his mother, Myrtice Gwathney of Gulf Breeze, FL; only child, Khristina (& Joe) Looney and grandchildren, Bret, Steven, Zane & Elijah of Cheyenne, WY; sisters, Linda Wise of Valparaiso, FL and Debbie (& Ron) Smith and nephews, Cameron, Caleb & Josh of Gulf Breeze, FL. His father, Arthur Gwathney, brother-in-law, Jim Wise & niece Summer Nicole Smith, precedes him in death. Tommy was born on March 6, 1944 in Clanton, AL to Myrtice and Arthur Gwathney. Even though Tommy merely finished the eighth grade in school, he was already a wealth of wisdom. Like a sponge he absorbed knowledge constantly. He was akin to a walking encyclopedia. He was Google before it existed. He could do anything and if he didn't know how to do it, he would figure it out. He was a skilled worksman in a great number of fields; masonry, ranch hand, oil fields, mechanical, fishing, hunting and cooking to name a few. Tommy eventually settled in and became the night manager at the Gulf Breeze Wal-Mart for 12 years. Tommy and Karen (Russell), then of Powell, WY, welcomed the birth of their only child, Khristina in August of 1971. Tommy's daughter has fond memories of his warm smile, heartfelt laughter, going cat-fishing, sharing a bag of boiled peanuts, big dreams, bigger Chilton County peaches, being his baby girl, his simple earnest pride in who she was, long (loooooooooong) road-trips from Wyoming down to Gram's, fresh seafood, homemade "salty" ice cream and without fail, his over-sized heart full of love. Accompanying great memories, are even greater stories: Tommy always liked to make sure that his "baby girl" got her seafood when she came to visit. A couple of years ago she and her family came down to Gulf Breeze. Everyone pitched in to throw a gargantuan feast of all the favorites; fresh bay shrimp, peas, cornbread, fried green tomatoes and okra etc. While the boiling of the shrimp was underway, it was discovered that the burner for the shrimp pan was facing downward thereby cooking the cement, not the shrimp. This simple yarn consistently provoked an amused chuckle with every retelling. Growing up, Tommy earned the nickname "The Rester" from his Uncle Percy. Out of physics or confidence, Tommy's walk was always a strut. Tommy's family moved to Japan as his father was serving in the Air Force. When on the boat to Japan with his mother, father & sister Linda, Tommy would entertain the sailors with amusing stories so well that they would often take him to the commissary to choose himself a treat. Tommy always could spin a grand tale. Tommy often enjoyed helping with others' projects. He was a generous man with an enormous heart. Later in his life that heart finally listened to the Lord's calling, recognized his own shortcomings and that he was a sinner who could only be saved by God's grace. He obeyed and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and saviour. Only then was he able to finally overcome the trappings of alcoholism. When Tommy went home on June 10, 2015 he had been sober nearly 10 years. He spent those years helping and being an unwavering companion to his mother. He was also becoming reacquainted with his family, his daughter and getting to know his son-in-law and grandchildren. He will be profoundly missed; his big, generous heart was the quintessential Grandfather's heart. Pastor Joe Prestrige will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tommy's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: An account at Hancock for Summer's Camp P.O. Box 6117 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Please make check's payable to Summer's Camp "Summer's Camp" is a surf camp for children with special needs. Donations will be made in Tommy's name to honor an unassuming, complete and total adoration of his beautiful niece and both of their memories. Tommy would have been pleased and proud to be a part of honoring her memory. The family would also like to thank Baptist Hospital in Pensacola and Dr. Pennington, Dr. Spencer, Dr. McDaniel & Dr. Gary for their efforts, care and dedication.

Service

Funeral Service

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Monday, June 15, 2015
2:00 PM

Gathering of Family and Friends

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Monday, June 15, 2015
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Burial

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563