Thomas L. Southwell

Tom was born into a military family in Lake City, Florida, January 13, 1944 and travelled throughout the United States and abroad for most of his childhood. He joined the Army during the Vietnam conflict and proudly served as a drill sergeant in Ft. Ord, California. Upon completion of his service to his Country, Tom was a police officer in Lake City, Fl and ultimately moved to Jacksonville in 1967 and graduated University of North Florida in 1976 with a BBA - Accounting. He had recently retired from Greg Allens, Inc. after 21 years as a Sales Consultant.

Tom was a constant encourager and considered it a joy to serve others in the community in a variety of volunteer roles. He was a youth soccer coach in the 1970's, a past President of Civitan Club of South Jacksonville and participated in the YMCA Indian Guides Program (Cree Tribe). He was honored to be a captain at the 14th hole during the TPC Players Championship(s) where he served for 15 consecutive years from 1995 - 2009. He was a deacon at Mandarin Baptist Church where he touched the lives of everyone with whom he came into contact.

Tom had a huge personality and loved to spend his free time golfing with friends, gardening, and watching as much Gator football as possible but his greatest love was his family and he spent much of his energy supporting, encouraging, and participating with his wife Jane, and his beloved son Jason in activities that meant the most to them.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 42 years, Jane; son Jason; sisters Mary Ann Jones and Karen Yvonne Howell; niece Alaina Leonard; nephew Alex Leonard and many extended relatives and friends that he considered as close as family . He was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Howell and his niece Amy Rose Leonard.

The family will receive friends on Thursday May 20, 2010 from 6-8PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Memorial Celebration will be held at 11 AM at the same location on Friday, May 21st.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Tom Southwell to the Mandarin Baptist Church Haiti Ministry. Arrangements are entrusted to Hardage Giddens Mandarin Chapel, www.hgmandarin .com. Please visit www.mem.com to leave fond memories of Tom.