Tommy Ray Mize

Lake Wales resident Tommy “Tom” R. Mize, 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 10, 2020, while in Orlando, FL.

At his request, Tom would not want sadness to be the theme of his service, but joy. He lived a life full of love but had a body from Uncle Sam. If he were here with us now he would thank each and every one of you for your kindness and friendship that you added to his life, he would flash that amazing smile of his and proceed to tell you to be at peace because he is, he is now whole and free from sickness in the Kingdom of The Father.

Tom Mize was born Sunday, March 23, 1947, in Winter Haven, FL to John J. Mize and Gladys M. (Dent) Mize. Tom was the youngest of 5 children.

Tom attended Winter Haven High and at the age of 19, he joined the U.S. Army in October of 1966 where he was sent to the Republic of Vietnam. While there he spent time in the Cha Rang Valley and in the Tet Offensive. After surviving Vietnam Tom returned home, where on August 29, 1968 he met the love of his life, Cheri. They were married on October 3, 1969 in Lakeland, FL. In that same year Tom reenlisted with the U.S. Army and they were stationed at Ft Richardson Alaska. During their assignment in Anchorage, AK they were blessed with two wonderful but trying children; a daughter, Tracy and a son, Eric. Tom loved and served his country for 20 years. When he retired from the military he and his family had been living in Alaska, a state as big and as beautiful as his heart, soul and smile. The Mize family remained in Alaska for many years with all their grandchildren being born there. In 2010 Tom retired as the Area Court Administrator for the 2  ^nd  Judicial District for the State of Alaska. Tom and his beloved wife Cheri decided then to return to Florida. They choose Walden Shores in Lake Wales where Tom’s brother was living. And with Cher’s sister in nearby Lakeland they began their new lives as returning Floridians.

Family and friends were of the upmost importance to Tom, that and his love of God. Close, casual or a stranger Tom saw and treated everyone the same. He had the heart of an encourager and his smile would light up your darkest day.

During his life he spent many years as a National Ski Patroller, he enjoyed bowling, dancing, running with his son and skiing with his family. But above all he enjoyed his love for the Lord and understanding The Word.

Tom was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, his brother’s Frank and Jerry Mize, his sisters Carolyn Paul and Lorraine Mize and most recently his cherished granddaughter, Arianna DiMarco.

Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Cheri Mize and her mother Nina “The Immortal” of Lake Wales, FL; daughter Tracy Mize and her fiancée Joshua Weith of Houston, TX; son Eric Mize of Girdwood, AK. Grandson Sebastian Gould, his wife Evelyn Lopez-Gould, great-grandson Nathan and great-grand baby unknown arriving in April in of Phoenix, AZ; Two grandsons Sage and Forest Mize also of Girdwood, AK and Granddaughter Kaitlyn Turner Bazylak and great-granddaughter Avery from Destin, FL. And Nephew Walter Candice Mike Vickie Matt and Scott, Barb and Glen

Walden Shores is empty without Tom and Mia (his fur baby) cruising around on the “Gator Canal Golf Cart”, making sure that all is good in the hood. We know that like us, many of you will miss seeing them and his amazing smile. We all feel his loss together.

Tom’s favorite saying with his family was that “If Tracy leaves Joshua, we are keeping him and she is on her own!”

Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15,2020 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home, and Rev. Stephan Bolden will be officiating. Military Honors will be concluded by the American Legion Post 8.

In lieu of flowers the Mize children have asked that, if possible, donations be made through  GoFundMe.com  at  https://gf.me/u/yqjc33 

In conclusion, Romans 8: 38-39

For I am persuaded, that neither death, life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.