- Date Of Birth: June 29, 1952
- Date Of Death: October 3, 2021
- City: Palatka
- State: Florida
Thomas John “Tommy“ Kynard, 69 of Palatka, passed from this life on October 3, 2021, at Community Hospice Family Care Center of Saint Augustine due to an extended illness.
Tommy was born on June 29, 1952, to Fred and Louise Kynard in Palatka Florida. He graduated from Palatka South high school in 1970, then joined the Army and later the National Guard, where he served with Battery A First Battalion 265th Air Descent Artillery. He was medically discharged, having reached the rank of Sergeant E5, after an accident while on maneuvers at Camp Blanding Army Base in Starke Florida.
After high school, Tommy attended St. Augustine Technical Institute. There he received education & experience as an electrician, and later master’s electrician. He worked locally for many years wiring homes, businesses and churches before finding his niche, working for power plants. He worked for Florida Power and Light and then Seminole Electric in April 1982. After 28 years of employment, he retired in June 2010 due to health issues.
Tommy was a well-respected employee who received numerous awards and accolades during his many years of employment. Tommy developed many lasting friendships during his time at Seminole Electric and was the resident practical jokester and snack provider with a drawer full of fake spiders, and a desk loaded with candy & treats.
On October 24, 1975, Tommy married the love of his life Edith Rochelle Goodman at Saint Monica Catholic church where he was a lifelong member. Tommy and Edie were fortunate to spend 46 happy years together. They were blessed with two children, Shannahon Nichole in 1977 and Matthew Jon-Thomas in 1979.
Those that know Tommy knew he loved his wife and family more than life itself. His dedication to them knew no bounds. He attended every sporting, school, or church event, he could, and often, was the assistant coach for their teams.
Tommy was an avid outdoorsman. He loved archery, hunting, fishing, snow skiing, 4 wheelings,s and pretty much anything involving the water.
Growing up a Florida boy, he spent many hours boating, skiing, and diving. He taught friends and family alike how to ski and kneeboard. For many years, he was a lifeguard and volunteer rescue diver.
Tommy loved to cook and feed people on a large scale. He volunteered to man the grill for many of the plant parties, charities & family dinners. He loved to cook breakfast for his crew at the electric shop each week, and the huge barbecues, cookouts, and fish fries at the Kynard house were legendary. All were welcome around the Kynard House table. Nothing gave him more joy than creating a new flavor of ice cream, grilling up some burgers, and putting a smile on someone’s face.
Those that were lucky enough to know Tommy will tell you they have never met a more honest, hard-working man, who above all loved God, and his family. You’ll never meet a better husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, or friend.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Mary Louise and Fred Kynard. He is survived by his wife Edie Kynard, children Shannahon (Chris) Alexandre of Palatka, and Matt (Jennifer Tyler) Kynard of Daytona, Grandchildren Trevelyn, Noah, Jaedan, and Connor, and his sisters Terry (Skip) Hewett, of Kennet Square, PA and Julie Kynard Holt of Tallahassee, Fl. He had numerous nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid restrictions, the family has planned a small, private service at St. Monica Catholic Church. For those who wish to attend virtually, the service will be live-streamed at 10 AM on October 8, on the church’s website.
At this time, the family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the following: Judy and Jerry Rothschild, Bobby and Kim Daley, Christy Jones, Kelli Seal Tyson, Melissa (Meme) Matos, Brandee Ardolino, Rosie Treib, Lashondra Dagroh, Dr. Fauzi Elsagga, The Veterans Administration, Travis with the St.Augustine Veterans Services, and the wonderful nursing staff at Community Hospice Bailey Family Center. T
