Joseph Paul Thames

Joseph Paul Thames, 68, of Lake City, Fl., passed away on Friday, November 25, 2016 at his residence.

Born on March 11, 1948, in Lake City, Fl., to the late William Chester Thames and late Cleo Maurice Lane. He was a graduate of Columbia High School in 1966. Mr. Thames served his country and retired from the United States Air Force as a MSGT after 20 years of service. He attended Lake City Jr. College & Forest Ranger School: Degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Community College of Air Force: Associate Degree in Avionic Systems Technology,  Chapman College, CA:  Associate in Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology .He enjoyed cars, golf, fishing, hunting, and F-16 Falcons. Mr. Thames was a loving father, grandfather and brother. He is preceded in death by his brother, William Chester Thames Jr..

 Survivors include his son; Riley Thames (Alice) of Lake Butler, Fl., brother; Kenneth Justin Thames (Hazel) of Dahlonega, Ga, two sisters; Margaret Rose Baker (Doug), Dorothy Rossi, both of Lake City, Fl., three grandchildren; Andrew Paul Thames, Zackery Thames, Shelbie Finely, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Thames will be conducted at 11:30 am, Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Visitation with the family and friends will be held from 5:00-7:00pm, Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Mr. Thames’s honor to The Salvation Army, 639 E. University Ave. Gainesville 32601, or to Wreaths across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, Fl., 32025. Please leave words of love and comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com 

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