Art Thomas

resident, skilled photographer, and Tampa Tribune Photo Lab Tech for decades, Art was known and

loved by everyone. He always had a smile, a joke, and a wonderful story for all he met. He never let his physical challenges slow him down or keep him from achieving amazing things.

He photographed the famous and the infamous, including countless celebrities and presidents, but if

you needed him to shoot your wedding, he would never refuse. He would give you the shirt off his

back and might even throw in a song while removing it.

A Plant High School graduate and proud Tampa native, he had more memories of the city's history

and people, than any book could hold. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Marcelle Thomas of Tampa, and her three children, Martha, Patricia, and Richard; a niece and nephew, Gail and Douglas; a nephew, Rusty; dear friend, Michelle Dwoskin; and so many more friends, too many to mention.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stowers Funeral Home on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 3pm with gathering at 2pm.

Art's love of animals was legendary, especially dogs, so we request that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221, http://www.guidedogs.org/support-us/in-memory-in-honor/