Thomas E. Lackey

Thomas E. “Tom” Lackey, 85, passed away at 5:01 am on Friday, 10 July 2015 at St. Vincent - Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife holding his hand and his 3 daughters by his side.
He was born in Asheville, North Carolina to the late William Samuel Lackey SR. and Rachel Emmalee Ducker. He was predeceased by his brothers: Bill, Woody, Jack, James, Hadley, and Harold; His sisters Catherine and Anita as well as his half-sister, Shirley.
He is survived by his wife, Beryl who he has been married to since July 18, 1953 (almost 62 years); His three daughters: Paula Gardner of Jacksonville, FL; Gloria Stokely (Kelvin) of Fountain Inn, SC; and Vivienne Rodriguez (Richard) of Vineland, NJ; his eight grandchildren, Christopher Gardner (Stephanie L.), Jeffery Gardner (Stephanie M.) & Thomas Gardner (Teresa) all of Jacksonville, FL; Nicholas Stokely (Tina) of Raeford, NC & Tabitha Hodge (Steve) of Portsmouth, VA; Madisen, Anabelle & Jared Rodriguez of Vineland, NJ; his seven great grandchildren Cameron & Conner Gardner of Jacksonville, FL; Cailynn & Kinslee Stokely of Princeton, MO; Alexis Patrick of Portsmouth, VA; Lucas & Delilah Gardner of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by his sister Claire McCurry of Fort White, FL and half-sister Bonnie Stoughton of Douglasville, GA as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tom (aka “Sarge” as many of his military buddies knew him) was a retired U.S. Air Force Veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He received 3 Battle Stars for three major campaigns and the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service. He was a loving husband, father, brother, pop pop, uncle and friend. He was fond of telling stories from his past and he could tell them with such great details that you would have thought they had just happened. He had found his artistic talent in his later years with wood carving and acrylic painting with winning first place for his “Oxen” painting. He was one to stay in touch with family and friends, far and near, remembering birthdays and anniversaries. Even as his time neared he was still telling stories, making sure to thank everyone, thinking of others and making sure we knew he loved us.

Services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 as follows:
Military honors will be conferred at 10:00 a.m., at Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Memorial Services will be at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel at the Dr. Gaston Acosta-Rua Center, 5450 Ramona Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205, with a food reception afterwards.