Thomas B. Florida, age 92, of Eddyville, KY, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Baptist Health Paducah.
He was born September 13, 1928 in Lascassas, TN to he late parents, Earl and Verna Madge Martin Florida. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a member of The First Baptist Church in Madisonville, KY, where he taught Sunday School and was a choir member. He was active in the Salvation Army, where he received many awards and was a life long member of the board. Mr. Florida was a member of the Madisonville Lions Club for 66 years while serving in all capacities. He received the Man of the Year Award in 1987 and was also the recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. Mr. Florida was a charter director of the Kentucky Lions Foundation, Past President of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, Madisonville Industrial Authority and also the United Way. He was a board member of the Madisonville Community College, Farmers Bank & Trust and Old National Bank Holding Company of Evansville, IN.
He opened Madisonville Auto Parts in 1954. He opened the first fast food restaurant in Madisonville with Kentucky Fried Chicken. He was instrumental in developing Lakewood Subdivision and Parkway Plaza Mall.
He retired in 2006 and lived in Eddyville where he attended Kuttawa First Baptist Church and loved to fish.
Tom is survived by his two daughters, Donna Florida and Diane Florida, both of Madisonville; two grandsons, Chad Florida and Dustin Florida; one brother, Philip Owen Florida of Tenessee; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Neville Florida; and six brothers.
Private services were held at Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville with Bro. Carl Nelson officiating.
Charitable contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to The Salvation Army of Madisonville, 805 McCoy Avenue, Madisonville, KY 42431.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.lakelandchapel.com.