Thomas 'Tom' Ashley Head, 68, moved to heaven on August 18, 2024, in the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida following a valiant 6-month battle with cancer. Tom was born in Washington, D.C., but only lived there the first year of his life before moving to Florida with his parents and two older sisters.

After graduating from high school, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army where he  served with the 463rd Engineer Company at Ft Bragg, North Carolina and  then with the 4th Transportation Brigade in Germany. During his 10+ years of service, he was awarded the National Defense  Medal, the Army Overseas Ribbon, the Army Good Conduct Medal twice  for 09/14/1974-09/14/1977 & 10/28/1977-10/27/1980, the Driver Mechanics Badge Medal, and the Expert M-16 rifle and 45-caliber hand-gun  Certification.

After his service in the Army, Tom worked with a half-way house in Florida for many years, was a stagehand for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra,  and the technical maintenance worker for the Orlando Shakespeare  Theater. Tom was an avid fisherman from childhood and most recently enjoyed several Hooked-On-Heroes trips with fellow veterans from the DOM, karaoke at American Legion, bowling, Bingo, and watching various sporting events.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Harold Ashley Head and Dorothy  Ellett Head. He is survived by his sisters; Lois R. Coben-Tague and Barbara H. Swaggerty (Patrick Swaggerty); nephew Nicholas E. Coben and his children: Valerie Lynn Coben and her son Brayden James Isbell, Jadon Nicholas Coben, Kyleigh Isabella Coben.

The family is grateful to the staff and residents of the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Domiciliary aka 'The DOM' in Lake City, FL for their care of Tom. He was cared for and treated like family and enjoyed many activities, adventures, and friendships during his 16 years there. The family is also grateful to the Fisher House located in Gainesville for making it possible for them to be with Tom during his treatments and last days.

A committal service will be held on Friday, September 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the Florida National Cemetery located at 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME.