Obituary of James Dillon Thomas

James Dillon Thomas, age 92, of LaBelle passed away May 2, 2011. A true gentleman of the South and Florida native, Dillon was born on Apr. 8, 1919 in Okeechobee. He grew up in the Lee County community of Corkscrew, and lived most of his adult life in Fort Myers and LaBelle. The things most important to Dillon were his faith, family, church, music and songwriting. He was known throughout Southwest Florida for his guitar and singing skills. Dillon was an avid hunter and a natural storyteller. In Dillon's youth, he worked as a cow hunter. He joined the Navy and honorably served in World War II. Afterward, he built his own contracting business. He was one of the first builders in Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral. Dillon continued working every day well into his nineties. He is survived by his children: Peggy (David) Flint of Ft. Myers, Mavis (Don) Garrison of TN and Sheri (Ronnie) Lee of LaBelle, step-children: Caroline McClenithan of LaBelle and Wayne McClenithan of Ft. Myers, sisters: Marie Mott, Lessie Sterbens, Shirley Hadley, Lois Touchstone, Joyce (Harrell) Cook and Pat (Les) Dixon, brother: Lilborn (Sara) Thomas, grandchildren: Bronc (Candy) Flint, Deanne (Gerald) Mixon, Shannon Hynes, Mark (Jodi) Johnson, Tina (Kelly) Rayner, Robin (Rick) Byrd, Rob (Kim) Garrison, Mike (Deborah) Garrison, Dillana (Jamie) Randant, Dennis (Beverly) Morrissey, Leslie (Wesley) Mathis, Cindy (David) George, Sandra (Leroy) Mills, Lori (Todd) Raycraft and Michael McClenithan, thirty great-grandchildren and thirteen great-great grandchildren. Dillon's many relatives and friends will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents: Jeff and Lettie Thomas, his wives: Iris Walker Thomas and Marie McClenithan Thomas and sister: Eula Holton. Funeral services will be conducted Sat, May 7, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at Community Harvest Worship Center, 55 Orange Av, LaBelle, FL. Interment will follow at Fort Denaud Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday May 6 from from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Community Harvest Worship Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33908. . .