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House Bill 9179




    Florida House of Representatives - 1997                HR 9179

        By Representative Clemons






  1                         House Resolution

  2         A resolution honoring Tommy Thomas for a

  3         lifetime of contributions to Bay County, the

  4         State of Florida, and the United States of

  5         America.

  6

  7         WHEREAS, Tommy Thomas, a true American patriot, as well

  8  as a community, business, and political leader in Bay County

  9  and the State of Florida, passed from this earth on September

10  17, 1996, at the age of 71 years, and

11         WHEREAS, he demonstrated the very essence of the

12  American dream through hard work, dedication, and caring,

13  became a successful businessman as a result, and shared that

14  dream with young and old alike, helping create opportunities

15  for thousands of everyday people, and

16         WHEREAS, he shared not only his economic wealth, but a

17  wealth of time, vision, and leadership to numerous charitable

18  organizations, including the Salvation Army, the American Red

19  Cross, and the Methodist Children's Home, and

20         WHEREAS, he demonstrated his lifelong love of country

21  and patriotism by serving in the United States Marine Corps in

22  World War II, during which he was shot down over Bougainville

23  in the Solomon Islands on the first of two Pacific tours, and

24  in the course of that service received six medals, including a

25  Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross, and

26         WHEREAS, he was recognized by the Daughters of the

27  American Revolution for promoting patriotism in the local

28  schools, and he displayed that patriotism every day by flying

29  Bay County's largest American flag over his business, and

30         WHEREAS, as a political leader, he served as the

31  Republican State Chairman from 1970 to 1974, where he earned

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    Florida House of Representatives - 1997                HR 9179

    279-152A-97






  1  the admiration, respect, and fear of state leaders, both

  2  Democrat and Republican alike, and

  3         WHEREAS, his untiring devotion to democracy and public

  4  service was especially exemplified by the sharing of his vast

  5  knowledge of the political process with young people, and even

  6  on his last day of life, while ailing, he continued to share

  7  his wisdom and insight with a class of fourth graders, and

  8         WHEREAS, while Tommy Thomas will always be remembered

  9  for success, patriotism, and service to others, he may best be

10  remembered for a basic philosophy on life, said often, "Stand

11  for something or you will fall for anything," NOW, THEREFORE,

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13  Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of

14  Florida:

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16         That the House of Representatives of the State of

17  Florida hereby honors and commemorates the life and good works

18  of Tommy Thomas, especially his patriotism, community service,

19  and selfless devotion to the people of Bay County, the State

20  of Florida, and the United States of America.

21         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution

22  be presented to his family as tangible tokens of the

23  sentiments expressed herein.

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