Thomas A. Pollock's Obituary
Thomas Arthur Pollock, age 94, died on Good Friday March 25, 2016 in Leesburg, FL.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Erma Elizabeth Hopps Pollock also of Leesburg, and his son, Richard Pollock and wife Sue, of Clermont, FL and his daughter, Carol Ann Pollock Rubiera whose husband Randall passed recently, of Palm Springs North, FL. He is preceded in death by his sister Gladys “Pat” Pollock Herron, (Harold), and is survived by sister, Marjory Pollock Tucker (Elsa) and brother, Harold Pollock (Shirley.)
Thomas was born on September 13, 1921 in the Village of New Concord, Ohio to parents Lena Denham Pollock and Clarence Pollock. He graduated from New Concord High School and then from the years 1942 to 1945 he served in the Army Air Corps in England. This time of service during WWII, in the field of electrical engineering in aviation prepared him for a career with Goodyear Aircraft in Akron, Ohio and in 1958 with Eastern Airlines in Miami, Florida.
He married Erma on July 3, 1947 in Caldwell, Ohio. He always said “I met my sweetheart at the 5 and Dime.” They both worked briefly at Kresge Stores in Cambridge. They have lovingly celebrated 68 years together and their devotion served to impact the proceeding generations within the family and even others until the very end.
Beginning as a young boy in church in Muskingum County the sermon of Tom’s life has been preached over and over during his dedicated service to our Lord Jesus Christ. Later when he and Erma moved to Florida, they became founding members of Friendship Presbyterian Church and developed lifelong friendships with a strong group of believers. Then upon retirement, they settled in Tavares, FL, joined Lake Square Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed several years at Sunshine Village/The Cove. During these many years, he served in Deacon and Elder positions.
Ohio always held a special place in the hearts of Tom and Erma. Until recently they looked forward to yearly trips and opportunities to reconnect with brother, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Upon retirement, Tom became very skillful at wood carving. His birds, deer, fish, and flowers, grace the homes of many and the prizes and ribbons he won inspired him to improve. His grandchildren: Taylor Pollock of CO (Rebecca,) Rex Pollock of FL (Christy,) Melissa Rubiera of OK, Timothy Rubiera of TX (Catherine,) and Great Grandchildren; Mackenzie, Carter, Avery, Preston, Celest, Bryan, Timothy, Garrett and soon to arrive Jameson and Abbrielle, DJ ( deceased) and Zach are all blessed to have wonderful remembrances of him; their special Great Grandpa.
As it says in John 14:3 ...And I go to prepare a place for you. Just as Jesus did this for us all, Tom has gone ahead to be with Jesus and tell Him his beloved Erma will be coming soon.
A funeral for Thomas is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2016 at
Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home 226 East Burleigh Blvd. Tavares, Florida 32778
Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Following a brief graveside service, guests are invited to join the family for fellowship and lunch at 13150 Coldwater Loop Clermont, FL 34711. 407 741- 3918 Well done Tom; good and faithful servant !
In Lieu of flowers, please bring/send a brief note about a special time you have spent with Thomas to his children ( Pollock’s 13150 Coldwater Loop Clermont, Florida 34711) We would love to share these with mom and children in the upcoming weeks.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left at www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com
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