Birth date: Mar 16, 1947 Death date: May 7, 2018
Norbert Francis Thomas, Jr., 71, of Tavares, FL, passed peacefully on May 7, 2018 at Cornerstone Hospice of Tavares. Norb, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 16, 1947 as the only child t Read Obituary
Condolences to the Thomas family. Norb was a good friend of my husband Ralph when they were both with GPD. Pat Honour and family.
It was an honor to serve under Chief Thomas. He was my Patrol Captain at the Gainesville Police Department and I appreciate his words of wisdom and sense of humor. He set the example of what a Police Executive should be. I respected the way he presented himself and still remember his words of wisdom, "Lonnie, when a Captain suggests that you do something a certain way, its a good idea to do it that way, no other comments needed." Advice given with a smile. He was what you expected of a Police Captain and more. Debbie and family, take solace in the Lord's words; 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." May God comfort you all at this time of loss and may He grant this peacemaker his peace and external Grace and Mercy.
Chief Thomas was a beloved Life Member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) who served as a board member on our Foundation. We are grateful for Chief Thomas's years of dedicated service as a law enforcement leader. We are also grateful for the many years he served our Association and it's members. He even continued serving when faced with health issues, sometimes driving several hours for a two hour meeting. I was amazed at his commitment to the Foundation. I will personally remember Chief Thomas as a kind and gentle man that was always willing to help. He was a true public servant and I am forever grateful that I was able to know him. On behalf of the over 1000 members of the FPCA, I offer our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Chief Thomas. RIP Chief, you are gone but never forgotten. Amy Mercer, Executive Director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association
Chief Norb Thomas was one of the good guys; a great chief and contributor to the Florida police Chiefs Association and the Foundation as well. I enjoyed sitting next to him at Foundation meetings and remembering earlier years of the FPCA. He will be sorely missed but always appreciated.
John Hunt
Hunt Insurance Group
My condolences to Debbie and family. Norb and I go back over 40 years, went to graduate school together at Rollins College in the 70"s at night and weekends. We became great friends and colleagues at GPD and we both became Police Chiefs with wonderful careers in law enforcement RIP my friend you will be missed.
E E Eunice
Chief Norb Thomas was a great friend and mentor to me when I was at the Gainesville Police Department under his command. I just spoke to Debbie and Norb a few weeks ago at a retiree get together and I will miss my friend. Thank you for all you did for me.
I am saddened to hear of Norb's passing, I will miss talking Gators football with him. Please know you are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Dr. Tony and Staff
