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Escambia (Ala.) Sheriff’s Deputy Tommy America Laid To Rest
June 28, 2009
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon for Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department Major Tommy America. Scores of law enforcement officers from across the area participated in the service, including a 21-gun salute from the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard.
As part of the service, Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff Grover Smith called the department’s radio dispatcher, announcing over the frequency that America was “10-42″ — the dispatch code for “ending tour of duty”. The flag draped over America’s casket was then carefully folded by the honor guard and presented to America’s widow, Audrey America.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Audrey America; four children, Martesha Lee, Shatoyeria America, Talia Wright III and Tommy America Jr.; and his parents, William America and Pauline America, all of Atmore; two brothers, William America Jr. of Atmore and James America of Birmingham; three sisters, Shirley Williams, Cynthia Williams and Ellen Valenzuela, all of Atmore; and three grandchildren.
America passed away Tuesday after enduring a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family at his home as he passed away.
America graduated from Escambia County High School in Atmore. After graduation, he was hired by the Atmore Police Department as a dispatcher from 1979-1982. In 1982, Tim Hawsey was elected sheriff and hired America. He joined the department in 1983 and attended the police academy to become a deputy. From 1983 until 1994, he worked his way up to sergeant and was supervisor over the west end of the county. In 1994, he left the sheriff’s office and went to work as the environmental officer for the county until 1997.
In 1997, he returned to the sheriff’s office as a sergeant and took over west end operations. America remained in this position and worked his way through the ranks of lieutenant and captain. After Sheriff Grover Smith came into office in 2003, America remained in his position until 2007 when he was promoted to the rank of major.
“Tommy America dedicated his life to Law Enforcement. He had a direct effect on people’s lives during his entire career. He was a role model for many people in the community and will be sadly missed by all who knew him,” a statement from the Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Department reads.
America was pastor of the Saints with a Vision AFM Church on Carver Avenue in Atmore.
Pictured above: Member of the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard give Major Tommy America a 21-gun salute Saturday afternoon. Pictured inset: America’s funeral proceeds under a giant American flag at Oak Hill Cemetary in Atmore. Pictured below: An Escambia County (Fla.) Honor Guard member bows his head during the service. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
39 Responses to “Escambia (Ala.) Sheriff’s Deputy Tommy America Laid To Rest”
I know that he is gone whith the lord but i just want say he is the grandad you will never forget . I remeber the times we spent together,the memorise we shared, the pictures we took, and the laughs we had together.but the most thing i would never forget is his beutiful smile that shined right front of my face.So to all my family, freinds we all will see him again when god reaches his throne. LOVE YOU AND I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOON.
i would like to say, bro. tommy wasa true man, a true pastor, and a great friend to everybody. i truely miss him very much. he was that kind of guy who loved everyone, treated everybody the same, he did’nt see you as just a person, he saw you as somebody no matter what type of life you lived. he would tell you the truth if nothing else. bro. tommy you were a good hardfighting soldier on the battle field, and my husband, and i will forever remember you. hey but we got those SILVER TONE WING BACKS in motion, one day when we get to heaven, we can all sing together ” TEN 4″. r.i.p my brother until we meet again. we love you.!!!!!!!!!!
I was just sitting here at my desk here at work thinking about how much I missed you its your favorite time of year “Christmas”…..I have no doubt that you are in heaven looking down on us and I look forward to the day when I can hear your voice and see your face again. I truly could not have had a better father…Although we did not have a lot growing up you made sure we had everything thing we needed even if it meant you working three jobs and for that me, mama, Talia, Meia, and TJ are greatful. You and mama showed us the importance of hard work, love for family and others, and the importance of Christ being the head of our lives and for that again we are so greatful. Daddy we truly miss you and although things are not the same now that you are gone I would want you to know that the things you taught us would never be forgotten. And we strive to live everyday just like you did with unrelenting faith in God and love for everyone.
Love You Daddy!
Tesha
It has been almost one year now since my dear cousin and friend has gone on to be with the lord. His love and memory still lives on. Tommy was such a dear person and a man of God. His service to man and God were realized by all. I thank God for allowing me to be part of his family. He was like a brother to me and was there for my mother when I was not available due to me not living in Atmore. I could call upon him at anytime to assist her and he was there for her. They both have gone on to be with the Lord , I am sure he is there for her making sure she is alright just as he did when they were here on earth. God bless you both. We miss you.
I did not know Mr. America, but he was obviously a wonderful man. He definitely had a purpose on this earth. Just look at the lives he touched. As I read these comments, I cry because his legancy has touched me so. So, he is still leaving an impact on peoples lives. I am sure he is smiling down from heaven. God Bless Your Family!!!
I would like to thank each and everyone that took out the time to pray for our family. I am so grateful that God allowed him to be a part of my life. I miss him so much. I really appreaciate every kind word, every card, and any contribution that was made on behalf of my family during this time of grief. The out-pouring of love has truly been above average. My husband was my inspiration and my best friend. Words does not describe the feeling of loss that I experience on Tuesday the 23rd of June, but with your prayers I can make it.
I am so touched by all of the sweet comments made about my uncle. He was a very, very special man. I have so many special memories of him from when I was a little girl. I remember how he used to pick me up and swing me around. I remember how he would come by my grandmothers in his patrol car, and stop in to say hi. We would laugh and talk and eat and laugh and talk some more. He was the only uncle who teased me by calling me my first name…”Quintina”. I can still hear his voice…I will miss your hugs and your smiles and laughing at grandmamma misspronounce her words…:) I love you Uncle. Your life was truly an example for us to follow. Now you will be at that all perfect peace that the rest of us only dream about. I know where you are and that is comforting to me, but I still miss you. I love you and I KNOW I will see you again one day.
Today I not only will shed a tear, but I will rejoice in my dear cousin’s memory. I will truely miss him very much. He was a wonderful man and I carry so many wonderful memories of him from the summers I and my brother and sister shared. I will always remember his laugh and the fun at the old store. As a retired miltary veteran I salute you Tommy, as family, my love and respect forever!
I Thank God for Pastor America a man who loved the lord and his people. I am forever gratefuly that God aloud us to see his glory thru Pastor America… To Aunt Bessie, Sister Nikki and Granny my prayers will always be with you and church family. Mrs. Audrey America and family God is still Good.
We both were blessed to have known and worked alongside Tommy America. My husband worked with him through law enforcement and I got to know Tommy through EMS. We have never met someone who smiled so much and always had the most positive attitude in any situation. He will be sorely missed but we all know that he is looking down upon us from high. That was the most beautiful funeral we have ever attended. Prayers to his family.
I can truly say that All of these comments are absolutely the truth. This is a man of honor. This is a man that we should all strive to try to be more like him. He was a wonderful, truly inspiring man. My prayers are to his family. Oh at the void that they must feel. God will take care of that void. Mr Tommy may not be with you physically, be he will always be close to you. He will always be near to you, ….in your heart. I am not family, I would not even be considered a friend, I came in contact with Mr Tommy America a little though. And oh I am just honored to have had any contact with a man of this integrity at all. How blessed this world has been because of him. I will continue to pray for his family.
Tommy was a man among men always willing to help, to listen to do what ever it took to help. he was a very dear friend for 20 + years to me and my family,but i know he is sitting on the right of God now,i pray for his family, i will miss him so much.but the lord has a plan, i am thankful i was able to know him . Lord please hold his family in your loving arms. he will be sadly missed
I was honored to call him a friend
I wish that i could thank every single person who said all the nice things about my uncle. its people in this world like everyone who has said numerous times that “your family will get through this”, and “we are deeply sorry he will be missed” that keep our family going on thorugh this hard time. with these good additudes and the faith that we have in god we know that we will make it through whatever. i know that he is thankful and smiling down on us all & just happy that he made a good impact on the world and people instead of a bad one.
Uncle Tommy: you will be truly missed, by your family, friends, even people who hear about what a good person yu were. i hope yu continue to protect us even from heaven, because i know without a doubt thats where you are. i miss you and love you so much. im glad that yu are with the lord now & have no more worries or pain.
It’s so nice to hear all the wonderful things that the people on here have said about my uncle. He was truly a man of GOD in church and out of church. We will truly miss him. I would like to say thank you for your words and please keep his wife, kids, grandkids, mother, father, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, and church family in ur prays that we will hold on. Cause one day we too will have to leave this old world and take our place with our Lord and Saviour. My uncle had a saying at his church Saints With A Vision “Mission Impossible” We know with God Nothing Shall Be Impossible.
Wow, what an inspiring testimony to leave behind! Prayers for his family. May you experience His comfort.
All the testaments of his character goes to show who really gets the PRAISE and HONOR……….his LORD and SAVIOUR…………
I worked for Tommy America for over a year at the Atmore Satellite office and he was one of the most compassionate men I’ve ever been around. The first time I met him it was obvious that he really loved the Lord. I would later get to see him walk his faith every day, even as he battled cancer. Tommy was an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. He didn’t just talk Jesus he lived it! I realized soon after I started work at the satellite office that everyone in the community both knew and respected Major America. I’ve met very few officers over my 28 years in law enforcement that had the people skills that Tommy had. Tommy will never be replaced at the satellite office. My continual prayers go out to the family as I know the Lord will comfort them during this time.
Chief Terry Sanders
Fairhope Police Department
I remembered Tommy Many years ago when i first started in Law Enforcement. he was one of the first to give me advice and i know of no one else who could handle people like Tommy did. He was one of the most respected people in this county. Tommy, I will miss you very much, thanks for being such a good friend to me when i needed one the most. Thanks for your encouragement through your belief and trust in God. I know you are with him now although for many of us and your family it is hard dealing with your loss.
i just don’t believe you ever knew how many lives you actually have touched. But we do.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family at this trying time. In his short time on this earth, just know he touched so many lives. He was a man of great faith and character. Husband, father, friend, and mentor were roles that he took pride in fulfilling. His infectious smile will live on in the younger Tommy. I see so much of your father in you. You have so much life ahead of you, make him proud. We love you. You are family and our prayers are with you. Audrey, you are an extraordinary woman. Be strong and know he is always with you.
I met him with I was a child he was a wonderful man of God! his Brother and family went to our church they were very dear to me!! I do pray that God give you all His everlasting peace, and strength in your time of loss! Lend on your FATHER ! He is the God of all mercy and Comfort! Let Him carry you though!
I met Tommy in 1984 when we both worked for Sheriff Tim Hawsey. Tommy was always positive, upbeat and never went anywhere without a big, happy grin. Tommy was always rock solid and you could always count on him to back you up when you needed it. He also was a very compassionate person who never let the bad things law enforcement officers deal with day to day cause him to lose that compassion for his fellow man, even those whom he arrested. I later left the Sheriff’s Office to work for the state, then the DEA, but I always asked about Tommy and each time we saw each other he’d give me a giant bear hug and we’d talk for quite a while. I remember Tommy’s rise through the ranks and am aware he was promoted to Major, but I prefer to think of him and remember him as Captain America because Tommy, like the fictional cartoon character of the same name, Tommy was a true American hero!
R.I.P. Tommy — God Bless and thanks for everything.
Please keep my Mother-in-law, wife, and the rest of my family in your prayers. We are devastated at the loss of our Father and Pastor.
Levon Wright, III
Son-in-law
What a fine person! Bless his family and loved ones.
just by reading everyones comments, has brought tears to my eyes..i just wish that i had been lucky enough to have crossed paths w/him…i really feel as though ive missed out…what ive read about his character and his life has made an impact on me and i didnt even know him…sincere condolences to all who loved him
Tommy will truly be missed. He was a friend and a person that my children looked up to. He was always the same everytime you seen him, always with a smile. My boys and I are truly Blessed to know this man.
The last time I talked to Tommy, he had worked an accident scene for several hours in the pouring rain. He said his feet hurt and all he wanted to do was to get home and sit down for awhile.
Tommy’s feet aren’t hurting tonight. He’ll never hurt again, anywhere. He’s in a place that “Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard. No mind has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” And Tommy did love the Lord, with all his heart.
My prayers are with Mr. America’s family. Just know that his time on this earth was well spent. You couldn’t talk to Tommy without sensing how at peace he was, how filled with joy and life. He was truly blessed and the world is a poorer place without him.
Mr. America will be missed. I will never forget how he helped me in auto accident that I had several years ago.
Simply put. Tommy was one of the good guys.
Tommy gave of himself more times than any of us will ever know. He will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know him. My prayers go out to his family. . .a family he cherished so much.
My sincere thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
What a fine man he was…he will be missed by the community. My condolences to his family
Tommy America was one of the finest men I have ever met and worked for and I can say that I have never heard a bad word come from him about anyone . This man WILL BE truly missed not only as a working partner but also as a friend . My thoughts and prayers are with his family .
Thank you, Danny. The truth is that there are only a very few (I could probably count them on one hand) people that I’ve met in my 40+ years that I can truthfully say that about, and Tommy is one of them. There is not a doubt in my mind where this man is today.
AC you are 100% correct, Tommy will be sadly missed by all, My prayer to his family. God Speed my Friend. You Made a difference in this world. I never seen Tommy when he did not have a smile on his face. One day I asked him how he was always in a good mood when he seen so much bad, he only replied with a smile , GOD.
Sorry to hear about Mr Tommy
With sympathy to the family. God Bless You all…
Tommy America was one of those people that one would be hard pressed to find something bad to say about. He was a Christian man, and that was evident in the way he lived and treated others. The world is a better place because Tommy America lived in it, and will be a worse place now that he is gone. He will be badly missed.