Thomas Alton York, affectionately known as “Big T”, 71, of Tifton died Saturday, March 26, 2011, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Rev. Billy Sumner and Rev. Chad Hall will officiate with burial to follow in Lawrence Cemetery. Bo Edenfield, Kirby Underwood, Steve Hobbs, David Brooks, Russell Kvistad and Keith Beasley will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church and employees of Hospice of Tiftarea. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
“Big T” was born August 11, 1939 in Enigma and was the son of Thomas Howard York and Rosa Louella Foard York, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Huel York. He was retired from law enforcement and served in the National Guard. He was a member of Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church.
“Big T” is survived by his wife, Melba Cranford York of Tifton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Natalie and Kerry Underwood of Ty Ty and Anita and James Everest of Milliken, Colorado; three grandchildren, Kirsten and Gannon Underwood of Ty Ty and Thomas James Everest of Milliken, Colorado; brother-in-law, Jerry Cranford of Tifton; sister and brother-in-law, Lena and Kermit Brooks of Tifton; brother, Dueral York of Rebecca; sister-in-law, Mary Ann York of Rebecca, brother-in-law and his wife, Terry and Cindy Cranford of Omega; father-in-law and his wife, D and GuyNell Cranford of Sycamore; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Tiftarea, P. O. Box 747, Tifton, GA 31793.