David TOMKINS Obituary

TOMKINS, David 76, Army veteran passed away Jan. 30, 2014. To his family he was hero, counselor, pillar of strength. Predeceased by his mother, Julia Arendell Tomkins. David is survived by wife, Patsy. Proving love at first sight really does exist they became engaged the first night they went for a talk. He leaves a son, David; daughters, Daveanna Tomkins and Lisa Bailey (Steve); grandchildren, Chad Bailey (Lisa), Doug Bailey (Robin); great-grand-children, Cade, Braxton, Cody, Cassidy, Lonnie, Brennan; brother, William Tomkins (Bertie); his loyal canine companion, Molly. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Feb. 2, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for David TOMKINS

10 Entries

Doreen & Hans-Peter Senn

February 3, 2021

It's hard to believe that seven years have gone by and you will always have a place in our heart. We still live across the street and many happy memories often come to mind, you come up in conversations we have quite often. Oddly, new neighbor(s) is also called Dave and one of their sons has a white car similar to you Patsy, always a reminder. Oh to be able to go back ten, fifteen years to fully appreciate what great friends and neighbors you both were.

February 11, 2014

To the Tomkins family....I was one of David's classmates at the Salvation Army College in Atlanta, Georgia. I recently heard of his passing. After we graduated from the college, we parted ways, each to his own appointment. If memory serves me correct, David returned to Florida and I remained in Atlanta, Georgia. I remember David for his gracious hospitality when he invited me to spend a weekend at the Pensacola Corps Center. At the time, we were both single young men, loyal to our Christian ideals, and serving our Lord with all the fervency of our youth. As time passed, we lost contact with each other until another classmate of ours, Max Sipe, notified me of David's passing. His memory and contribution to my life is something that I shall always value. PJ Bell(Elder, United Methodist Church, Western North Carolina Conference)

Trish Mahoney

February 7, 2014

Dave was my boss, mentor, 2nd father, and dear friend. He hired me when I was 26 and I worked for him for 8 years until I moved to North Carolina in 1999. He would never admit to being my boss; I was his “co-worker.” His influence on my life, and who I am has been profound, but he would never take credit for that either.
Dave enjoyed portraying himself as a simple, humble southern boy, but simple he was not. After you got past the slow, southern drawl and seemingly innocent questions, you found an incredibly intelligent, intuitive, complex man. He was someone who immediately perceived a person's vulnerabilities, but rather than exploit them as humans tend to do for their own benefit, David sought out opportunities to empower others. Above all, this is what he gave me; not only one, but countless opportunities for me to test myself and my abilities while enjoying the safety/protection of his acceptance of me for who I am. This was a beautiful and lasting gift.
His sense of humor was a byproduct of his simple, humble persona. When cell phones were starting to become common place, Dave had his own take on the “mobile phone.” He stationed a black, desktop dial phone on the dash of his old blue pick-up. When he saw someone in the car next to him talking on their cell phone, Dave would hold the receiver of his desktop phone up to his ear, and wave at the driver beside him.
As our office staff grew and we began to run out of space, David moved out of his office, acquired a few banana boxes, and placed them in the food pantry where he turned the boxes into a desk and created an office. He remained in there for years.
As I write this, I realize I could go on and on with countless stories of his friendship, wisdom, generosity, and good humor. Since moving to North Carolina, we maintained contact by phone, letter, and occasional visits when I came to Florida. Now even that is gone. I love him, and will miss him deeply. He will always be with me in spirit, though…Whenever I am faced with indecision, I still ask myself:
“What would Dave do?”
My heart goes out to Pat, Lisa, Daveanna, David, William and Lubie, and all the rest of David's family members. I know your loss is enormous, and you are in my thoughts/prayers.

Melody Anderson

February 6, 2014

My Dear sweet Lisa so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers! Love you

Lori Howard

February 3, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words anyone can say that will make you feel better. It will take some time for you to heal and the hurt will never go away, but it will get easier, trust me, I know

Lisa

February 3, 2014

Dad's Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Mom and Dad's house from 2-4. Please contact me for information or directions.
Lisa

Melody

February 3, 2014

Lisa and family, I am so sorry for your pain. From things you shared over the years about your Dad I know you share a lot of his qualities. From always needing to make others smile to always bringing home those *strays*. We pray for you to have peace and remember the good times!

February 2, 2014

We feel your pain and understand your loss,praying for you and your family,my dads passing is still fresh,iI will not say it gets easier as much as life just continues,if yall need anything just holler

Lisa Bailey

February 2, 2014

Dad, it is so hard realizing I will never see that handsome smile or hear that infectious laughter ever again.
You brought so much joy to so many in your life. I still have so many questions I wanted to ask. You were our Rock. Our Constant. The memories we share will never go away and we will make sure your great grandchildren learn of the loving, compassionate man they called Grandpa T. I miss you Dad.

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don't worry about falls
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we're together again.

Doreen & Hans-Peter

February 2, 2014

Dave was very special to us, both as a friend and neighbor.The fond memories of the times we spent together with him and Patsy will remain in our hearts forever. We'll really miss his 'phone calls always starting with "this is Dave from across the street" and the many chats we had together when he had his "BIIIG Garage Sale" as he used to say.The Christmas lighting ceremony will never be the same without him as will so many other things.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results