Wilbur Franklin Thomas – 79 – Born to this earth during a beautiful Sunday morning on January 3, 1937, was called home by his heavenly father on April 4, 2016. Wilbur passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Wilbur was a true son of Alachua County where he lived his entire life. He was born and raised on the Thomas Family Farm outside of LaCrosse, FL to Groover Henry Thomas and Nancy Evelena Thomas. Wilbur was the youngest of many brothers (Jennings, Ralph, Woodrow, and R.G.) and sisters (Irene, Rosa Lee, Mildred, Lillian, and an infant girl). Wilbur attended grade school in LaCrosse, and later graduated from Alachua High School with the class of 1955.
Wilbur landed his 1st job working for the Gainesville Sun and soon after met the love of his life, Jeanne Wait Thomas. They married in 1958, and after a few brief years living in Gainesville, built their dream home on the family farm outside Lacrosse. Wilbur and Jeanne lived in that home to this day, and raised their 3 children: Steve Thomas (Earlene), Kim Thomas Sullivan, and Kevin Thomas (Janie). He is also survived by grandchildren Lindsey Thomas, Ryan Thomas, Tara Thomas, Julia Thomas, Brooklyn Oliver, Kyler Sullivan, and Brandon Sullivan and siblings R.G. Thomas (Barbara), Rosalee Genovar and Lillian Mattingly.
After working for the Gainesville Sun, Wilbur later worked for Storter Printing Company and General Electric (where he later retired).
Wilbur could always find humor in any situation, and his love for laughter was only outdone by his deep love, caring, and compassion for people. He would truly do anything possible to help anyone in need, and would literally give away his last dollar if someone asked him for it.
Wilbur was an outstanding father who took genuine interest in his children’s lives, always told them how proud he was, and made them feel special in so many ways. The only thing that rivaled his love for his children was the love he felt for his grandchildren. He loved them all so deeply, and they returned that love with countless smiles, screams of joy, and laughter till it hurt.
Wilbur loved working in his yard and making beautiful things grow. He was passionate about life, people, and virtually all Gator sports. He and his loving wife Jeanne have been season ticket holders for Gator Football for over 45 years, and would talk to anyone about the “current state of the Gators”.
The family would like to extend love and appreciation to Wilbur’s blessed caregiver, Ms. Cassandra Burns. Cassandra took such exceptional care of our Dad and Husband that only true love can provide. We will always be indebted to Cassandra for what she provided, and she will always hold a special place in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to in Wilbur’s name to Alz’s Place, 1701 NW 80th Blvd #105, Gainesville, FL 32606 (https://donate.giving.ufhealth.org/eldercare).
There will be a memorial in celebration of Wilbur’s life on Friday (4/8/2016) at Forrest Meadows Funeral Home (725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainesville, Florida 32609) from 5:30-7:30pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday (4/9/2016) at New Hope Primitive Baptist Church, 24315 NW CR 1493, LaCrosse, FL at 11am. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home (352)378-2528.