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Grover Thomas Obituary
THOMAS
1925-2008Grover Charles Thomas, 83, died Tuesday, November 11, 2008.
Mr. Thomas was a local pioneer in the quick service restaurant business. In 1956, he and his wife, purchased and operated the Tastee Freez store in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Later, he purchased the local Tastee Freez franchise rites, at a time when locally, franchising was mostly unknown. With little formal education, he established a chain of over thirty franchised Tastee Freez restaurants. As a franchisor, he traveled to communities in the Florida Panhandle and South Alabama helping small business people establish and operate successful restaurants.
He was the eldest of seven siblings, born at home in Victoria, Alabama where he grew up on the family farm during the depression. He moved with his family, to Santa Rosa County in the early 1940's.
During World War II, as a Merchant Marine, he traveled the world as ship's Engineer while sending money home to his parents' family farm near Milton, Florida.
Grover lived with his family, in Gulf Breeze, Florida for over fifty years in a home built by his own hands. In 1950 he married Etowah Lunsford of Chumuckla, Florida and raised two children, Nancy and Michael. He was an early member of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, he Scout Mastered, and he headed the Shoreline Park development project for the Gulf Breeze Civitan's in the 1960's.
Later in life, Grover became an avid ballroom dancer and could be found "swinging the gals" many nights each week. Dancing was a passion and joy he shared with his companion of twenty three years, Dorothy (Frenchy) Barnes and scores of dance friends. The day after a dance would often find Grover talking about his dance card from the night before.
Mr. Thomas is survived by his two children, Nancy Thomas of Hong Kong, Mike Thomas and his wife Patti Thomas of Pensacola, his brother James Thomas of Allentown Community and two sisters, Maureen McLaughlin of Pensacola and Mary Lemonis of West Palm Beach Florida; plus dozens of nieces and nephews. He joins his brothers' Rex and Ray in our fond memories.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 5-7pm at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel. Services will be Monday, November 17, 2008 at 11:00 am at Pineview United Methodist Church, 1440 Pineview Church Road, Jay (Allentown), Florida with burial following in the church cemetery.
To all of Grover's dancing friends, please dance a Fox Trot in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5401 Corporate Woods Drive, #100, Pensacola, FL 32504
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Grover Thomas
Glenda F. Dees
May 2, 2025
If it wasn´t for Mr. Thomas we wouldn´t have had this grate place to eat growing up . Some the Best People . And the Food is the Best . I was born & raised in Pen. Fla. And ate there often . I´m 66 now . Thank you & your family . My Mr. Thomas Rest in Peace . Such a loss .
Linda Dowling
December 7, 2024
So sorry for the loss of your father, may God comfort you and your family.
Kathleen Thomas Flinn
December 6, 2008
To All, Especially Nancy and Mike,
Uncle Grover was always warm and friendly to me, he made
me feel welcomed and loved. His upbeat positive personality
will be missed.
Kathleen Thomas Flinn (niece)
Sally Sullivan
November 20, 2008
Mike,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat and Sally Sullivan
Lauri Borer
November 18, 2008
Nancy & Mike,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad.
I remember going ballroom dancing with your folks when we were kids. Your dad always danced with me and made me feel grown-up.
My prayers are with you both.
Minnie Mitchell
November 17, 2008
Mike and Nancy you are in my prayers.
Duncan McDavid
November 15, 2008
Nancy, It's been years since we've seen each other, but I've kept up with your life's adventure through our mutual friends, Stephen Hacker & Beth White who both send their love to you.
May God be with you & your family during this time of profound loss.
Janet Zollars
November 15, 2008
Dear Nancy and Michael:
Your Dad will be missed by many as he was a very special person.
My husband, Donald, (now deceased), and I were members of the 55 Club years ago when we met your Dad.
We always shared a special bond as my grandson, Scott Leigh, and you, Nancy, are both pilots so we had to compare notes.
May your many happy memories with him bring you comfort at this time.
His "dance card" will be missed by all of us.
Janet C. Zollars
Butch Wallace
November 15, 2008
Grover was a very special person who was liked and respected by all with whom he had contact. He will be sorely missed by everyone, especially at the various and divergent dance clubs in which he was a member. You could always depend on finding Grover on the dance floor, not only with his long time partner, “Frenchie” but also with his numerous friends. He was always a gentleman who remained pleasant and friendly, regardless of the circumstances. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family for their loss. May God give you comfort during this difficult time. Loretta and Butch
Phillip & Debbie (Davis) Wright
November 14, 2008
Mike,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amanda -n- Griss Grissom
November 14, 2008
MIKEY,
I am sorry to hear the passing of your father. The gates of heaven has opened and welcomed your father. Amanda and Iwill keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Our strongest condolences.
Amanda -n- Griss
Joy Clark
November 14, 2008
Frenchie, my prayers are with you. Grover was so special and I think you two were a GREAT couple. He will be missed so much. God bless you,
Joy Clark (Gulf Breeze, FL)
steve Phillips
November 14, 2008
Mike,
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a very special person to me. I will always cherish his memories and the things he taught me about business.
Don McLaughlin
November 14, 2008
Michael and Nancy,
My parents have always told me of how my your Dad took time with me when I was first born--especially since I was the the oldest grandchild/nephew. I would say "Gober,Gober" when calling his name. God bless you during this time--my uncle Grover was always an encouragement to me, Kooky and my two daughters.
Donald R. McLaughlin
Linda & Bill Sharp
November 14, 2008
Our prayers and thoughts are for his family and Frenchy.Grover will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. He was such a kind,warm and thoughtful man. He always had a dance for all the ladies. we will miss him. Linda & Bill Sharp
Eddy Williams
November 14, 2008
Mike, Sorry to hear of your fathers passing. Cherish the memories and be strong for the rest of the family. We will be praying for you. Eddy
Rob and Rena Patton
November 14, 2008
Mike and Nancy,
We are sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Stephen Hacker
November 14, 2008
Nancy, Sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad's lively spirit and outgoing character certainly is alive in you.
Gary Antczak
November 14, 2008
Mike
Praying for you and yours my friend.
You have emulated your fathers business sense and zest for life.
Judy Gaither Antczak
November 14, 2008
Michael and Nancy .... what a great life your dad lived! although a parent's passing leaves an "unpatchable" tear in our lives, what a difference it makes to know there was great joy and accomplishments in living, and security of heaven that follows the passing
Gary and I are with you and Patti and Nancy in our thoughts, and we send much love and always, our prayers
Faye Butler Claxton
November 14, 2008
Nancy and Mike,
Daddy called and told me yesterday about Grover. I can still remember the times we would visit in Gulf Breeze during the summer when I was a young girl. That seems like only yesterday. My Dad talks daily about his days in the Merchant Marines and Grover's name is mentioned quite often. My Dad and Mother always considered Grover and your Mother as close friends even though they didn't see each other that often. Love and prayers to you both.
Rick & Ginger Head
November 14, 2008
Mike, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Amber McCool
November 14, 2008
My prayers and thoughts go to the entire Thomas family. I am glad to have had the pleasure to know your father, he was always such a happy and optimistic person. A true joy to be around. He will be sorely missed.
Ed. Cohron
November 14, 2008
A very beautiful arrainment.
May God Bless.
Ed. Cohron
Holly Pitts
November 14, 2008
What a rich, full life Mr. Grover enjoyed! His warm spirit touched many and always conjured a smile. He is remembered and respected dearly.
Stacey Langston
November 13, 2008
Mike,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. What you shared in celebration of his life was so uplifting and inspiring. What a truly blessed life that he led. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days and pray that the Lord will strengthen you and your family in this difficult time.
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