Thomas John Park, Sr., born on March 23, 1940, in Youngstown, Ohio, to parents William and Anna Mae Park, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, in Orange Park, Florida, at 85, the day before his 86th birthday, preferring to spend his birthday with Jesus! Tom was surrounded by family and visited by all six of his beloved grandchildren before he passed away.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Ellen, son Tommy Park (Nikki); daughter Jennifer Davis; six grandchildren Christian Boyer, Madison Davis, Tili Park, Asher Park, Izzy Park, and Judah Park; and sister Dorothy Laughton.
Tom grew up in Miami, Florida, the youngest of six. After graduating from Miami Jackson High School in 1960, he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country for 29 years, eventually retiring in Orange Park, Florida, with the rank of Senior Chief in July 1989.
On October 4, 1970, Tom married Nancy Dowdle of Miami. In 1977, they welcomed their son, Tommy, in Pensacola and then spent three years in Iceland. The family eventually settled in Orange Park and welcomed their daughter, Jennifer. After retiring from the Navy, Tom worked as a supervisor at a sheetmetal company called Exact. In 2000, Tom married his second wife Ellen, enjoying over twenty-five years of rich and loving marriage.
Tom, a fun, silly, and caring father and grandfather, was a kind, loving, humble, and generous man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Broadus-Raines Chapel.
Graveside service 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2026, at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Celebration of life 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Cross Creek Church.
Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 284-4000.
