Thomas J. Timmons

Mr. Thomas J. Timmons known as “Spooky” was a dedicated and beloved servant of Florence County and a beloved member of the Florence community. Thomas was born in Effingham on April 26, 1942, to the late Albert Timmons and Mary Lee Timmons-Burch. Thomas was a pilar of strength, service, and commitment to both his family and his community. Thomas touched countless lives through his unwavering dedication to service and his compassionate spirit. At an early age, Thomas accepted Christ and joined Goodland African Methodist Episcopal Church and later became a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church on October 15, 1969 under the leadership of Reverend Dr. W. P. Diggs, Sr. For over 55 years he was a devoted member of the Trinity Baptist Church Senior Usher Board, Men’s Club, Culinary Committee and the Church Security Team.

Thomas graduated from Wilson High School, Class of 1962, where he was the class president. He went on to begin a remarkable career. His employment journey began at Merita Bakery and Dupont before finding his true calling in Law Enforcement. With 31 years of dedicated service, Thomas retired as a Lieutenant from the Florence County Sheriff’s Office where he took pride in his work and the people he served. During this time as Deputy Sheriff, Thomas partnered with Solicitor Ed Clements to support the Twelfth Circuit Youth Rehabilitation Mentoring Program, a vital initiative addressing juvenile crime, incarceration, and recidivism. 

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Thomas went on to establish his own trucking the T & G Trucking business and later founded J. R. Flooring Covering LLC; a family-owned enterprise that thrived for over 19 years. Thomas was known for his warm smile and his delicious meals, particularly his cherished contributions to the Trinity Baptist Church Annual Church Picnic and the Father’s Day Men’s Club Breakfast. Besides helping others, Thomas enjoyed traveling. Thomas’ s life was a testament to devotion, as he cherished his time with family and friends and embracing every moment to the fullest.

His service was recognized with numerous honors, including Special Recognition from the United Negro College Fund in 2000, a Special Congressional Recognition Award in 2010, a Certificate of Achievement from the Palmetto State Law Enforcement Officers Association in 2014, and a Certificate of Recognition from Trinity Baptist Church in 2019 for more than 55 years of service. Thomas was also a cherished lover of gospel music, especially the song “This Morning When I Rose” by the Mississippi Mass Choir, and he found comfort in his favorite scripture, The Psalm of David; Psalm 23.

He was preceded in death by his late wife Jessie Carter Timmons, two siblings, Alice Robinson and David Burch; and one daughter, Teresa Ann Timmons.

Thomas again found love, warmth and joy and married Olivia James Timmons in 2014. He was a devoted, caring, and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. His memory will live on in the lives of his family, friends, and all those he impacted with his kindness, guidance, and generosity. He will remain forever in the hearts of those he touched.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Olivia Timmons of the home; children, Pamela R. Timmons (John) Perry, Thomas Gregory (Stacey) Timmons, Virgil Robinson, John Joe, Linda (Richard) Warfield, and Jennifer Elaine (Michael) Ragin; grandchildren: Janaya Perry, Joshua Perry, Zavien Timmons, Virgil Robinson, Jr., Michael Robinson, Terry (Felicia) Joe, Hope (Christopher) Moore, Tiffany Thompson, Cortney Ragin, Terrance Joe, Sherica (Deandre) Cain, Tereka Joe, Jenishia (Michael) Johnson, John Joe, Jr., Terrica Joe, Javoris Joe, and Cameron Joe; 26 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Chianne Young and Elizabeth Augustus; two brothers: Rochelle Timmons and Raymond (Etta) Mack; one aunt, Alberta Robinson; one special cousin, Lucille Johnson; two god-daughters, Felicia Smith-Charles and Makenzie Hines; four special friends: Roy McGill, Anderson Mungo, Chief Billy Brown, and Gary “Toy” Williamson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws, other relatives church family and friends.

The family will receive friends at the home daily 1426 N. Whitehall Dr., Florence from 11 AM to 8 PM .

Please keep the family of Thomas J. Timmons in your thoughts and prayers.