Name: Visitation for Thomas Walter Pelle
Start: 2014-11-11T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-11-12T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home - East Jacksonville

PELLE Thomas Walter Pelle, born May 24, 1924, passed away at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital on November 9, 2014. He is survived by his wife Betty Garrison Cox Pelle; his son Russell Pelle,; his daughters Lu Ann Pelle and Nancy Strother (Tim); grandchildren Katie Byrum, Sarah Strother, Matthew Strother, Thomas A. Pelle and Tajhe Pelle; daughter-in-law Eda Antonia Pelle and her son Oscar,; great grandchild Emily Strother; sister-in-law Joann Pelle; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Grace McCracken Pelle and his brother, Raymond Pelle. Tom was born and raised in Louisville, KY where he graduated from Male High School. He worked for CSX Company and relocated to Jacksonville in 1980 and retired in 1987. Tom was a lifetime member of the 307th Bomb Group and the 13th Jungle Air Force of the Army Air Corps. He served his country as a radio operator and gunner in the Pacific Theatre during World War II aboard a B-24 and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was an ordained Deacon and Elder in his church in Louisville, KY and a member and past-president of the Optimist Club there. Known as a sweet and gentle man by all who met him, he was an avid musician who played, among other things, all fretted instruments. He was a member of the First Coast Banjo Band and The Fretted Instrument Guild. He also enjoyed being a member of the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday (TODAY), November 11th at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd. The Funeral Service will be held at 9:00 AM, Wednesday, November 12th at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 11:00 AM in Jacksonville National Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort Caroline Presbyterian Church or Disabled Veterans of America (www.dav.org). Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Nov. 11, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Pelle

Sponsored by Jacksonville.com.

6 Entries

Jack Palmer

November 20, 2014

I didn't know Tom while in the South Pacific, but I got to know him in the Association. He was a gentleman and always in good spirit. We will miss him

Laurie Kendall

November 15, 2014

i enjoyed meeting Tom and the Santa Fe reunion (September 2014), and offer my sincere condolences to his family and many friends. He was a hero. Rest in peace.

Jim Walsh

November 13, 2014

Betty;
I was extremely saddened to hear this news. I have known you and Tom for many years and I always cherished seeing you. Do you remember when we went to Savanna. You and Tom were the highlight of the trip. I will so miss seeing Tom and I know he is in a better place now. I hope that we can continue to have you with us and we certainly want to be there if you need anything at all. Another Hero is gone and we all are very sad. Thank you for all your compassion and love.

Sincerely
Jim Walsh

Donald Calarco

November 13, 2014

My dear Betty, Russel, Lu Ann and Nancy. I received the news of Tom's passing just today. I am so sorry I was unable to attend his funeral.
Tom was a dearly loved member of the 307th BG. His gentle way and friendly attitude toward everyone was an inspiration to the efforts to make family first for the "new" 307th BG.
It was Tom who seconded the nomination for my presidency of the 307th. My own father coerced him into doing it with a promise that I would bring positive change to the shrinking membership. I did my best and was so very pleased when Tom paid me a few kudos for a job well done.
When the camera was pointed at him by the Associated Press reporter in Santa Fe, he made us all proud. And we were all aware that he was telling stories that many of you may never have heard. Tom and Betty will always be considered part of our family. He will be sorely missed. You have my most sincere condolences. I hope to meet you all some day.

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John Markiewicz

November 12, 2014

Regret that I was unable to attend the funeral this morning due to some health issues that have left me housebound today. Thomas Pelle will be missed at our monthly DAV Chapter meetings which he attended regularly. May he rest in peace and never be forgotten.
John Markiewicz
DAV Chapter 1 Adjutant

November 12, 2014

Will miss his smiles and his gentle soul. Faye Patin
So sorry to miss his funeral as am involved with DAV fund raiser. Fair winds and following seas, Tom

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results