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Thomas Lemons Obituary
Ocala - Thomas C. Lemons, 74, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 at Munroe Regional Medical Center. He was born in Wellington, TX and moved to this area in 1968. He was a graduate of Bixby High School in Bixby, OK and served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a world renowned crew chief for Big Daddy Don Garlits for 17 years leading the car to ten world championships. He is survived by his sister, Wanda Lemons Kannady and her husband Bill of Sheldon, MO, special friends, Don and Pat Garlits and the entire Garlits Drag Racing family, and his nieces, Marsha Hooper and her husband Rick and Marilyn Deem and her husband Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Clara Holt Lemons and his nephew, Michael William Kannady. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 from 6-8 PM at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Rd. in Belleview. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing 13700 SW 16th Ave., Ocala, FL 34473 or the 1320 Quarter Mile Foundation, 6210 Beverly Dr., Cleveland, OH. 44130.
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DAVID MASET
January 9, 2023
Still missing you, old friend. The world's much less fun since you've been gone.......
STEVE LESUEUR
January 9, 2021
Never far from our thoughts and hearts. Mention of you never fails to bring a smile to my face. Bless you, my friend.
Esther Mackenzie
January 9, 2021
My husband had the great pleasure of meeting TJ once when we were visiting Garlits Museum several years ago. Such a fine gentleman! Thoughts and prayers from Nova Scotia, Canada
STEVE LESUEUR
January 9, 2020
Still making sure your buddy has fuel for his cars. Thinking about you today, my friend.
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Ed Pink
March 5, 2013
TC Forever thinking about you,
You are missed, rest well my
Friend.
Dave Huber
March 5, 2013
We will never forget T C.
Todd Hutcheson
March 5, 2013
Well TC, it's been over a year now, and in that year we still share a funny TC story now and then. But I know you were more than just a humorous tale teller. You had a soft spot under your defensive armor. We will pass on your life to others and never forget Tom TC Lemons. Promise. Hutch
TC & Dave McClelland NHRR 2010
Terry Lorge
March 4, 2013
TC & Hook at NHRR 2010
Terry Lorge
March 4, 2013
Jim Reed with TC 2010 HOF
Terry Lorge
March 4, 2013
TC & Friends at HOF Banquet in 2010
Terry Lorge
March 4, 2013
TC Holding Court at the Museum 2010
Terry Lorge
March 4, 2013
Terry Lorge
March 4, 2013
I still keep TC's phone number in my phone. I know it no longer works, but when I am scrolling through my directory and come across it, I pause and remember ole TC and his great sense of humor. We should never stop remembering those that touched our lives.
Bob Alberty
March 1, 2013
One of a kind!
Harold K. Peterson
April 29, 2012
"T.C."
Words can not express your passing. I will forever cherish your friendship, and your words, your jokes, your smiles and remember them always. I hope you are at Peace ,and when we meet again, I will have a cold glass of water for you. Rest Well my Friend.
John MacKenzie
February 21, 2012
I am from Nova Scotia, Canada and had the great pleasure of meeting Tommy in 2010 at the museum. I was so excited that I was speechless...I went back and asked for his autograph which he graciously gave me. Then in 2011 I was visiting the museum again and when I left I noticed him sitting on his doorstep so I stopped and had a nice chat with him and had my picture taken with him which I will always treasure. He thanked us for dropping in and invited us back. I've thought about him many times and hoped I would be able to see him again. A truly kind, down to earth and caring individual whom I'll never forget.
Tom TC Lemons & Todd Hutcheson 2009
Todd Hutcheson
February 12, 2012
Sid Waterman
January 25, 2012
Tommy;
How do I put 40 + years of freindship
into words. I have been trying for a week but to no avail. I have erased 6 of these letters as none truly expressed the meaning of our freinship. I would call to cheer you up and you always made me feel better instead. I will truly miss you and you outlook on life. # 1.
Tom Chastang
January 24, 2012
Tommy, It seems my address book more and more is filled with my friends that have passed on. I never erase them,and our calls over the years have been filled with nothing but the best memories.I will never forget you my friend. You made every call a moment to remember. RIP
Mike Wood
January 24, 2012
Heaven has gained, what the drag racing world has lost, rest in peace.
kent van horn
January 22, 2012
RIP Tommy we send our condolences at this time. Sincerly, Kent Van Horn + Joe Nocentino Jr. from Pennsylvania
Fred Babcock
January 22, 2012
Another great is in heaven. Keep a lane open for me when I get there Fred aka wyatt earp
Terry Lorge
January 22, 2012
I will miss seeing TC "hold court" with Jim Walther, Greg Harmon and the rest of his entourage at the Museum during Gators week and at Bowling Green. He was a walking encyclopedia of Drag Racing history. As much as it hurts to talk about Tommy now that he is gone, its the best tribute we can pay him by keeping his spirit alive.
1969, we work on SR 12-B
Don Garlits
January 21, 2012
Now that the dust has settled and the reality of "TC" being gone, a big void has taken shape! I cannot drive by the "Cabin" without thinking of some experience we shared over the last 40 some odd years. God I miss him! Don
Bill Bader
January 20, 2012
TC, you brought a certain spark and spirit to our sport that will not be forgotten. Enjoy the peace and rest you so rightly deserve.
January 20, 2012
I didn't know you very long but memories of you will last forever. Thank you, TC, for being my friend. Tim Ditt
Jim Walther
January 19, 2012
I will always charish the 44 years that I knew T.C. and the great times we had. He was our ambassador of drag racing. You will be missed.
Bruce Baker
January 19, 2012
Well old man your withyor "buddies" now tellin tales of the past. One of the things you lied best. Many knew you but you were still a Bixby person. I will never forget you and the great times we had. Thanks "T" see you again some day.
Mitch Johnson
January 19, 2012
I saw Tommy twice a year...the Gators and Indy. He never failed to greet my like a long lost buddy. You will NEVER be forgotten Top Cat....NEVER.
Ray Motes
January 19, 2012
I can't remember where I met TC, it just seemed like he was always there. I will truley miss him as all who knew him. May God bless his family and close friends.
Dennis Darnell
January 19, 2012
Glad I got to talk to T.C. recently. He will be truly missed. I got a kick out of him referring to Don as "Garr".
at gatornationals.
January 19, 2012
Mike Mernah
January 18, 2012
My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved "T.C.". You my friend will go down in history as the greatst wrench of all time !!!! Your legacy will always be respected by those involved in Drag Racing. Thank you so much for making our world a better place.
Mike and Kas Stewart
January 18, 2012
Rest in peace, TC. From an Okie to an Okie at heart. Check on Swingle, please.
ken bode
January 18, 2012
TC has passed but he leaves great momories for all who new him. May he rest in peace
January 18, 2012
I still have one of his "told her I was in prison" t-shirts. Rest in peace, TC.
Most sincerely,
Bill Huseth
Mike and Kas Stewart
January 18, 2012
Rest in peace from an Okie to an Okie at heart! Check on Swingle, please.
January 18, 2012
R.I.P.-T.C
We miss you and Swingle, story telling, Drawing in the dirt for a chassis design, so on and so.on
From Larry Roger's and Paul J. Schultz , former Crew members Wil=Tel Top Fuel. Okies on Fuel
Larry Sullivan
January 18, 2012
I only knew TC well enough to nod or wave when I passed him in the pits or the staging lanes, but I never had the pleasure of swapping lies with him. That is my loss because he has joined a growing list of those of my generation whose stories will now have to be told in the second or third person. Godspeed, TC, you will be missed.
Dave Huber
January 18, 2012
I last seen T C At Beech Bend, He always had a great story to tell. What a great Guy. We will all miss you T C.
kent van horn
January 18, 2012
RIP Tommy
Warren Walther
January 18, 2012
I only had the opportunity to meet TC twice personally, but I have to say that each of those times was a real treat. My life is better having met him, even a a couple of times.
Wayne Minick
January 18, 2012
TC will be missed by many. His story telling is legendary. I will never forget you. RIP my friend.
Jim Chapman
January 18, 2012
May he R.I.P. He will be missed...
Roger Hammon
January 18, 2012
One of a kind. Thank you so much for the memories.
Don Roberts
January 18, 2012
My thanks to Tommy for being a friend, for telling funny stories that had me laughing until there were tears in my eyes, and for always telling me I was his " favorite yankee "...I will think of TC always.
Rita Diets
January 18, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss Don. You two were close like Donna and I are and I can't imagine losing such a close and dear friend as he was to you and as she is to me. My heart couldn't stand it. RIP Tommy.
Cheryl Wetherington
January 18, 2012
Did not know TC long but he was a person that was full of stories...he will be missed
Darwin Doll
January 18, 2012
Indelible impressions can never be
erased. You truly will never be
forgotten.
Dave Labs
January 18, 2012
I am very thankful for the times TC talked with me at the track and at Big's Museum. He always treated me like an old friend. Thank you TC for all you did for Drag Racing.
FRED FREY
January 17, 2012
BETWEEN T C FOSTER AND JUNGLE I DONT KNOW IF ITS SAFE TO GO TO HEAVEN. WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. FRED FREY FRANTIC FORD RACEING
Les Welch
January 17, 2012
RIP "TC" ... you are missed.
Bill Ott
January 17, 2012
Thanks for all the laughs TC. Rest In Peace.
More Old B.S. Later
Badco
t.c.and Joe Jacono PRI show.
joseph jacono
January 17, 2012
Yo Tommy... Glad we could spend some quality time together at the PRI show last month. was great seeing you. but didn't know it would be the last time. RIP good buddy. your friend Joe Jacono.
John Holmes
January 17, 2012
Gone but not forgotten!
George Crittenden
January 17, 2012
One of the true pioneers of the sport and a treasure chest of stories from the early days to the present. You will be missed by all of us "NitroGeezers" God Speed TC
Steve Cole
January 17, 2012
What defined T.C. Lemons is a single word: UNIQUE...having no like or equal. I knew him only briefly, at the end of his life, but even then, his ability to sparkle us with his humor and special outlook of life spoke volumes about the man he was. I feel privileged to have been around him for that short period, and I think his view of the inevitable has left a profound impact. To those who knew him best, I envy you, and share your unique loss. To the sport, never forget, never forget Tom.
January 17, 2012
I am going to really miss our Friday "chats" over the phone and your stories at the IDRHOF banquet every year, RIP T.C......Harry Hibler
Lonnie Lovell
January 17, 2012
I was very fortunate to have met TC in person about twelve years ago. Of course I “knew” him by his greatness many years before. When I first met TC he treated me like he had known me forever, joking and relating many of his great stories. I met TC when he was living in Oklahoma before moving back to Florida. When he would come in to our shop for a visit it would brighten everyone's day. When he left, there seemed to be something missing and now there will be something great missing until we meet again.
Rick Lucas
January 17, 2012
TC was a fantastic guy and will be missed greatly.
RIP TC
Howard Hagen
January 17, 2012
Rest in Peace TC
Tom Cat & Don Garlits 1969
Traci Hrudka
January 17, 2012
We have another "Star" shining up above us, what a sparkle T.C.has left us all with, his wit, humor and dediation to a truly beloved sport will ever be held near and dear to our hearts. You'll never be forgotten - We will make it so! Traci Hrudka - Quarter Mile Foundation
Ed Pink
January 17, 2012
Rest in Peace old buddy, I'll miss you. Ed Pink
Terry Lorge
January 17, 2012
TC was a very special individual who impacted more people than he would ever know. He was tough as nails but had a heart of gold. I will miss all the stories and laughter he brought upon us. A man who dedicated his life to drag racing. God Bless you my friend.
Mickey Bryant
January 17, 2012
It was your stories TC that allowed me to relive the old days of drag racing. Best of all was becoming your friend. I will truly miss you.
January 17, 2012
TC is now one of our :RACING ANGELS I love him and the 4 decades we shared with Don. God Speed my dear friend....LINDA VAUGHN
Wanda Blanchet
January 17, 2012
My husband and i never met TC but we did see him at the awards banquet at Bowling Green lastyear. Boy did he have some funny stories about Don and his travels with him. God Bless to his family and friends. Don we're sure that TC felt very special to have you for a friend.
Tim Bucher
January 17, 2012
T.C. you will be missed but never forgotten my friend. Thank you for being so kind to me and my brothers. You added alot of laughs to our visits. P.S. Thanks for the stories about our Dad.
Sid Waterman
January 17, 2012
You brought a smile to all you met with your uncanny wit and humor. Your loyalty to BIG was never ending and showed your true character. You have truly left this world a better place. I'll miss you a lot. Your friend, #1.
Sid Waterman :
Todd Hutcheson
Todd Hutcheson
January 17, 2012
Dave Maset
January 17, 2012
Thanks for a million laughs and your simple goodness, Tommy. I always felt just a little happier whenever you were around.....
Marlene Henle
January 17, 2012
You will be missed!
john paul
January 17, 2012
I met TC 15 years ago, I will always remember him and his stories . He will be missed.
Ken Stevenson
January 17, 2012
Godspeed TC
Carl Olson
January 17, 2012
T.C. was one of the most interesting and intelligent people I've ever had the pleasure to know. He was an extremely talented mechanic and fabricator, but I'll remember him most for his friendly and helpful demeanor. It was an honor to have known him, and to have shared his passion for our beloved sport of drag racing. R.I.P. my friend.
Tom McEwen
January 17, 2012
TC was one of my very good friends for many years. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of everyone at Drag Racer magazine, we express our deepest condolences.
Clyde Munzel
January 17, 2012
I have only really known T.C. personally in recentyears . But as Don said there will never be another T.C. That says it all.No need to say rest in peace, If I know him as well as I think, he is already thinking of somting to build , hell already have it ready when BIG DADDY arrives. Just think of the too of them in heaven , building a drag strip in the clouds, I firmly believe they will !
John Donato
January 17, 2012
I will always have the memories of talking to Tommy when I stayed at the cabin. He was a wealth of knowledge and great stories. I will miss him every time I'm down south.
Godspeed and rest in peace.
A photo I will treasure
John Ewald
January 17, 2012
In the 40 years I knew TC no one could make me laugh harder. He could have been successful in standup comedy...instead he chose to help make Big..big, and helped make the sport of drag racing better and safer...God's speed buddy...thanks for the great ride.
Todd Hutcheson
January 17, 2012
Tom, you have added so much to so many and it will not be forgotten. Yes it was a tough fight, but you will be remembered for your humor, devotion and skill to our sport. We will alway have you in our hearts, so let it be written. todd
Cory Lee
January 17, 2012
Tommy is a special person and a good friend.
TC is the REAL DEAL, straight hard answers sometimes with a twist, intelligence, wit and rough & ready...a true renaissance man.
I can't talk about TC in the past tense, he is here now in my heart and mind.
The genuine article, Tom Lemons...
John MAZZarella
January 17, 2012
There's a opening in the racing world that can't be filled because there was no one like you. You made working side be side fun and educational. You are missed my friend
Roy Steffey
January 17, 2012
I remember touring the museum when I was in Florida. TC acted as my guide and had many things to tell about the various exhibits. Then he asked what I would most like to see and I said "the shop where the work gets done" he escorted my wife and I out to the shop and I enjoyed it so much. Running into him at meets here and there was always a nice thing. He had so much to say and all of it interesting.A legend is gone.
Jon Lundberg
January 17, 2012
The "magic" of any significant entity, and the events that surround its growth, are made part of the human experience by story-tellers; those who relate events with such clarity and immagination that they become the stuff of myth and fable. Such was the gift and contribution of Tommy Lemons, one who loved us.
Finally pain-free, may he soar with the angels!
Jon Lundberg
Donna Garlits
January 17, 2012
I've know TC since I was 7yrs old and he was like a big brother to me...he looked after me and he also ratted me out when I was going to do something stupid. I know now it was out of the love he had for me even if I got mad at him at the time. I loved TC and will miss his smile, his stories, his laughter...Godspeed my friend!!! See you on the other side someday.
steve lesueur
January 17, 2012
TC just shows why I am glad I followed my father into this life. If I hadn't . I would not have enjoyed the people. My last visit with TC was in Orlando at the PRI show. Jacono was there also, so I couldn't get a word in often. I will miss you, TC.. You can rest now, my friend.
LARRY SHEPARD
January 17, 2012
hi T.C.; I hope you can here me ..I will miss you tremendously also..you always made me laugh..you showed me things that I would have never of thought of... there are some days ,,,that i wish I was like you ... I enjoyed every race day with you TOMMY. I love you T.C LEMONS ......SIGN--------YOUR FRIEND,, -----------LARRY SHEPARD----
January 17, 2012
TC gave his whole life to drag racing !!
RIP Bill Stiles
Dave Schultz
January 17, 2012
He will be missed
John Wiebe
January 17, 2012
While touring the AHRA circuit with Big and others TC would look me up every weekend and always spin a new tale or have some little issue he would present and then in his unique way wait for your response. He knew and understood Big like no other! We will miss you TC and know you are in a better place. Certainly in heaven there is a long golden street void of homes where drag racers meet and that is probably where we will find TC.....sharing a story!
Eileen Daniels
January 17, 2012
TC and I had a lot of good times together at various events and I will miss him terribly. He will be missed by all of us. He is now at peace.
Don Garlits
January 17, 2012
There will never be another "TC", he was my best friend and I will miss him tremendously!
Don Garlits
Gadsby Jet Car Racing
January 17, 2012
Our thoughts and Prayers go you to the family & frineds,For a great man that was part of our racing history ! May God Bless & Comfort Thomas & His Family & Friends, at this time ,and sadness be turned to Joy ! When we all get to walk in the house of our Lord Jesus Christ !
Big Daddy Don Garlits
Don Garlits
January 16, 2012
Jackee Allen
January 16, 2012
I only 'knew' TC through the eyes and words of others but I am most certainly aware of his many contributions to the sport of Drag Racing. My prayer is that all who knew and loved him, will find the comfort and peace that only Jesus can give in times like these, and in that of family and friends. I can only imagine the bench racing sessions going on right now. RIP TC Lemons.
Geoff Stunkard
January 16, 2012
Hanging with TC Lemons was always fun; whenever we met, he always had a smile and some story about traveling with Don Garlits I had not heard before. I first met him while Jeff Tinsley and I were visiting the museum.. We'll miss you, pal. Thanks for being there for him, Don; you are a great friend.
Don Martin
January 16, 2012
TC was a great Drag Racer. It was a great pleasure to have worked around him. He always had great stories to share while we were hanging around waiting for the next round. All of us on the Petersen & Fitz Crew admired and respected his skill and sense of humor. My great friend David will be waiting for him to share many more stories. RIP TC I feel Proud to have known you. Thanks for the memories.
Bud Spaulding
January 15, 2012
Only met "T.C." a few times, but he always treated me like he knew me all his life.
Real proud to have had his "Influence" in my life. Rest easy pal, God love 'ya.
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