Thomas Ervin Jr.

Thomas Ervin, Jr., the beloved son of Thomas Ervin, Sr. of Johnson City, TN, and Lucy Josey of Philadelphia, PA. He was born on September 10, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tom took great pride in sharing that he was born in the nation’s first hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital. He spent his early childhood in Penllyn, PA, before moving to Philadelphia at the age of 14. A proud “Gratzonian,” Tom graduated from Simon Gratz High School and, following his military service, continued his education at Saint Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania.

At just 17 years old, when the Korean War began, Tom asked his mother to sign the papers allowing him to serve his country. He completed Army basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, followed by jump training where he earned his wings as a paratrooper, and then trained as a medic. Sergeant Tom Ervin proudly served in the United States Army as a Combat Medic in Korea. He often spoke fondly of wearing the “baggy pants” of a paratrooper and of being called “Doc” by the soldiers he cared for.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge and returning to civilian life, Tom broke barriers as one of the first Black salesmen in Philadelphia. He worked for Ken Chevrolet, Philadelphia Electric Company, and Reuben H. Donnelley. In 1989, he further demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding Accel Promotional Products, LLC, providing promotional products, gifts, and apparel to businesses seeking to elevate their brands. His commitment to excellence distinguished him in the industry, and Accel continues to operate today.

On June 8, 1968, Tom married the love of his life, Johnetta. From this union came their beloved son, Thomas E. Ervin III (Tommy), who brought immeasurable joy to their lives. In his third-grade autobiography, Tommy humorously wrote that his dad “picked his mother up in a parking garage.” Thomas III later extended that joy by blessing Tom with a grandson, Keenan. Tom cherished his family deeply and found great happiness in time spent with them and with his many dear friends.

Tom was a man of wide-ranging interests. A devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, he attended his first game in 1948 during a snowstorm. He enjoyed playing and watching tennis, building HO model trains, traveling, and savoring good food.

He was an active member of Rotary for many years. Tom faithfully served as a Trustee at Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church in Camden, NJ, and contributed several years to the Planning Committee of the American Baptist Churches’ Black Conference. After relocating to Florida in 2021, he joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, Tom finished the race set before him. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Johnetta; his son, Thomas E. Ervin III; his beloved grandson, Keenan (Wynique); his Aunt Doris Glass; cousins George Byars (Mike), Georgee Glass, Robert Glass (Deb), Tena Hopper, and Valerie Murray; along with a host of loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucy Hohney, and his father, Thomas Ervin, Sr.