Thomas Howard Wilson, Jr.

Thomas Howard Wilson Jr., affectionately known as "Pokie," was born on October 29, 1948, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is the son of the late Thomas Howard Wilson Sr. and Elizabeth Martin Wilson. Thomas passed away on December 19, 2024, at Palm Garden of Ocala Nursing Home.

He joined the Golden Street Baptist Church in South Carolina at a young age and continued to attend church wherever he lived. After moving to Florida, he often went to church with one of his nieces but accepted Christ while attending Temple of Grace Missionary Baptist Church.

Thomas was educated in Spartanburg County's public schools and graduated from Carver High School. Throughout his career, he primarily worked as a laborer in the manufacturing industry. In South Carolina, he was known as “Bodyguard,” while “Pokie” was the name he was recognized by in other places. He had a knack for meeting new people and forming connections.

He was a Robert Small Lodge No. 133 member until his health declined, limiting his ability to stay in contact with his lodge brothers.

Thomas had a playful spirit. He often wrestled with the family's children, especially the boys. He made it a point to bring home treats for the kids, sometimes hiding “his treat” behind the house or in the bushes. Ultimately, the love he shared with so many people was returned to him.

A generous and loving individual, Thomas often asked for a few dollars, even when he had money. He would visit the sick on his bicycle, riding miles to check on family and friends. In his downtime, he loved spending time with those close to him.

Thomas had a playful spirit. He often wrestled with the family's children, especially the boys, and he made it a point to bring home treats for them, sometimes hiding his treats behind the house or in the bushes. Ultimately, the love he shared with so many people was returned to him.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Wilson; sisters, Nancy Martin, Juanita Bernard, and Judy Fernandez; brother-in-law, Johnnie Bernard Jr.; son-in-law, Demond Hull; and daughter-in-law, Tracey Byrd.

He leaves behind cherished memories for three daughters, Latrenia Wilson, Gaycha Robinson, and Tomeka Hull; three sons, Timothy (Michelle) Byrd Sr., John Spearman, and Roger Murphy; twelve grandchildren; sister, Rosena (Aaron) Miller; brother, Douglas (Ann) Copeland; brother-in-law, William “Bill” Dawkins; sister-in-law, Carolyn Bernard; and special friends, Sharon Robinson, Lulamae Spearman and Kim Reynolds: nieces and nephews who cared for him in Florida: Cynthia  Graham, Terri Williams, Stephanie Walker, Gwendolyn Green, Shameeka Osbourne, Aysia King, Taniya Williams, Kyndal Walker, Lemuel Walker Jr., Lemuel Q. Walker, Lemuel Walker III, Frank Green, Derrick Williams, and DeSean Jenkins. A devoted niece, Tonya Martin. He also leaves fond memories to other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Public Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 1:00 until 6:00PM at Summers Funeral Home 2238 NW 10th Street, Ocala, Fl 34475.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00AM at New Hope New Beginnings Church, 17401 North Hwy 301, Citra, FL 32113.

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