Clarence “Ed” Tomlin

Clarence Edward Tomlin, 83, of Big Island went to be with his heavenly father on Monday, July 25, 2011 in Virginia Baptist Hospital. He was born in Coleman Falls on August 17, 1927, a son of the late Linwood Walter Tomlin and Josie Virginia Tomlinson Tomlin.

Ed was a member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church and was a retired Assistant Superintendent of the Georgia Pacific Paper Mill where he was employed for over 40 years. Ed was a dedicated family man taking special joy in expressing his love to his grandchildren as well all of the children in his community. His values were rooted in the belief that God came first, his family came second and loyalty to his country came third. He was a proud patriot and served his country in the Navy during World War II. He was an avid gardener, taking pride in cooking what he grew.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lola Geraldine Tolley Tomlin; two daughters, Diane Tomlin Tanner and her husband, Glenn of Fredericksburg and Billie Jo Tomlin Moody of Lynchburg; his son, Michael Allen Tomlin and his wife Rebecca of Big Island; a brother, Larney Willard Tomlin and his wife, Lorine of Richmond; four sisters, Minnie Mae Oliver, Donnie Ethel Crawford and her husband, Joseph both of Lynchburg, Josie Hester Harris and her husband, Robert of Rustburg and Audrey Hortense Whorley and her husband, George Arthur of Big Island; five grandchildren, Jody Burch, Wade Tanner, Allen Tomlin, Ben Moody, Brooke Moody; also ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2011 at Hunting Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. James Newman officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.