Thurold Herman Bement Jr

Tom Bement, age 94, surrounded by family walked into the arms of Jesus, Sunday, April 14, 2013. He was originally from Centerville, Pennsylvania, before moving with his wife and children to Starke, Florida, in 1960.

He retired in 1981 from the Florida State Prison as food supervisor; followed by a thirty year career as a bail bondsman. Living in Starke for forty-six years, they moved to Kingsport, Tennessee in 2007 to be closer to his sons.

Tom never met a stranger and helped many people. He was strong in character, loved to joke and shared many stories. His passion for music and dancing earned him the name of "Twinkle Toes" at Preston Place Assisted Living, where he and his wife Bea lived for three and a half years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother and two sisters.

Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife of seventy years Bess Marie (Calco) Bement. He is the father of Gary Bement and wife Sylvia, Greg Bement and wife Tina both of Kingsport, and Teri Nicklin and husband Bob of Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

He is the grandfather of five grandsons; Bret Bement and wife Traci ; Jared Bement and wife Mary Beth: Loren Bement and wife Misty ; Andy Bravo and wife Christy ; Jordan Rawls and Ian Bement . He is the great-grandfather of ten great-grandchildren; Codi Bement; Braylin and Kinsely Bement ; Isaias, Gideon and Tobiah Bement ; Trey Rawls; Ayden and Shae Bement; and Chase Bravo.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Preston Place 1 Assisted Living, 2001 John B. Dennis Highway, Kingsport, Tennessee (across from Indian Path Hospital) in the Activities Room. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 10:00 a.m. with his son, Pastor Gary R. Bement, officiating.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Preston Place Assisted Living for everything they have done for Tom and Bea; the nursing, kitchen, office, housekeeping, and activities staff, and everyone involved in their care at every level. They would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice; Kris Tipton R.N., nurse's aids and other staff that have cared for Tom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Tom Bement at Preston Place Assisted Living, Activities Department, at 2001 John B. Dennis Highway, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660.