Thomas Olynthus Storey

Thomas O. Storey 1921-2014 Thomas Olynthus Storey, 92, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born in Ashburn, GA on April 23, 1921. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1939 then moved to Pensacola, FL at the age of 19 and at the age of 20 (just after the bombing of Pearl Harbor) he joined the US Navy where he was assigned to the USS Astoria CA34 Heavy Cruiser. He was on the Astoria until it sank in the battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942. He continued to serve in the US Navy until 1946. In 1945 Tom’s friend, Frank Smith was being shipped out to sea and he asked Tom to write his mother to let her know where he was going. A young 15 year old girl named Wylodean intercepted the letter intended for her mother and wrote back to the young sailor. That was the beginning of a 64 year 11 month life together with “his doll” Wylodean Storey. Tom worked at St. Regis Paper Co. (now International Paper) in Cantonment, FL for 30 years. He worked at A&P Grocery for 7 years and Wal-Mart for 14 years. He was a faithful member of Brentwood Assembly of God church for over 65 years. Preceding him in death was his doll, Wylodean Smith Storey; his two infant sons, Harry Allen and James Joseph; parents, Orie A. and Mary E. Storey; his sister, Vatrine Goodwin Minshew; brother, John Fitzgerald and great grandson, Madden Thomas Sanders. He is survived by his two sons, Russell (Sandi) H. Storey; Cecil (Tonia) T. Storey; four grandchildren, Cari (Donnie) Lynn Sanders, Jacob D. Storey, Zachary J. Storey and Dillon L. Storey; and a great-grandson, Gavin Sanders. A special thanks to Covenant Hospice for their kindness to Tom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Thomas O. Storey to the Brentwood Assembly of God Church building fund. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2014 at from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2013 at 2:00pm. Friends and family are invited. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Thomas Olynthus Storey

April 23, 1921 - January 12, 2014