Mr. Thomas Anthony Cumbess (Tony), 71, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Bedrock Rehabilitation and Nursing Center following an extended illness. He is the son of the late Doris Cheshire Repsher and William (Jack) Cumbess. He was also preceded in death by his Mother, brother Ennis Fowler and wife Theresa Waters Cumbess on April 2, 2022, he missed her deeply every single day since then. They would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this year on February 13th, 2023. Tony was a long-time resident of Lake City, FL with a short 3-year residency in Beaufort, SC where he made many happy memories and friends with his wife and daughter. Tony was a devout Christian and loved the Lord with all of his beings. He served his country in the United States Army Firebirds as a door gunner during the Vietnam War. He was awarded 3 purple hearts and multiple other commendations after coming close to death in 3 different helicopter crashes. He enjoyed coaching and playing softball, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors in general; was a dedicated Florida Gators fan and obsessed over boats, and loved tinkering. He retired from PCS Phosphate, Inc. after working there for over twenty years. After his retirement from PCS he went on to get his degree in Golf Course Maintenance Supervision from Lake City Community College where he graduated first in his class.

Mr. Cumbess is survived by his daughter Cherie Cumbess Allen (Ryne) of Fort White, FL, and his bonus daughter Angie Bimonte (Pete) Furquay-Varina, NC, and three sisters Carolyn Creamer (Roger), Vickie Davis (Buddy), and Beth Powell (Harold) all of Lake City, FL, and a host of nieces and nephews also survive. He leaves behind his best boy Happy too, his 7-year-old Lab mix who is now missing his favorite person. Tony was loved by so many. His positive outlook, generous spirit, and kind heart left an

impression wherever he went. He never met a stranger that didn't quickly become a friend: he always went out of his way to help anyone in need and had an incredible work ethic. Tony was a true lover of life: a humorous storyteller, avid reader of westerns, and determined backyard tomato gardener. He was a facilitator, voice of reason, loyal compadre, giver, and all-around good guy. He was one of a kind. Tony will never be forgotten but remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.