Tommy Jonas, Sr. (Texas Cowboy) was born on June 21, 1928 in Lake Butler, Fl. to the late Tom Jonas and Mae Jonas. Brother Jonas loved the Lord with all his heart. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and his children. Brother Jonas worked in pulpwood for many, many years. After retiring from pulpwood, he decided to open his own business selling barbeque chicken and ribs. He is well known for his famous sauce. People would come from miles around just to get gallons of sauce. Brother Jonas joined Mt. Zion AME Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles Evans, where he served faithfully until the Lord called him home on Friday, July 31. Brother Jonas said that he was ready to go home.
A couple hours after he made his statement, the death angel came and took him back to the Lord. Brother Jonas leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife, Sallie Mae Jonas; children: Raymond Jonas, Tommy Jonas, Jr. (Mildred), Annie Jo Martin, Brenda Johnson (Frankie), Vera Hill (Earl), all of Madison; Iris Hawthorne (John) of Albany, Ga., Terry Jonas of Newark, N.J., Tony King (Pat) of Gainesville, Fl., David Jonas (Gwen) of Tampa, Fl., Angela Messam (Wayne) of Miarmar, Fl. and Marian Denson of Chattanooga, Fl.; 45 grandchildren; 55 great-granchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; three sisters: Lorine Quinn (Madison), Maebelle Webb and Lula Mae Scott (Lake Butler, Fl.); one devoted sister-in-law and caregiver, Essie Mae Jonas; devoted friend, Jim and Sandra McVickers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceeded in death by five children: Lorraine J. Brown, Michael Jonas, Loritta Allen, Lester Lean Graham and Valeria Jennings; and ten siblings: George Jonas, Rommie Jonas, Charlie Jonas, Obediah Jonas, Vasco Jonas, Enoch Jonas, Rosa Fudge, Amonia Williams, Louise Marshall and Milane Williams. The wake will be Friday, August 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Mt. Zion AME Church. Services Saturday, August 8 at 1 p.m. Ganzy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, (850) 973-3267.