Obituary of William Townsend Tomlinson

Services for William Townsend Tomlinson who passed away on June 20, 2012 after a courageous year long battle with lung cancer will be on Saturday, June 23rd , 2012. Visitation will be at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a Memorial Service to his life following the visitation. He was 82 years old. Bill was born in The Hampton's, Long Island, New York. He graduated from Fort Lauderdale Flying "L's" high school and attended Cornell University. He worked in the Family Owned Resort business on Long Island for many years during the summer months and wintered in South Florida. He was the owner of several businesses in the Fort Lauderdale; The Oceania, Bill and BJ's, BJ's, The Top Gallant and the Life Line Lounge. He was affiliated with the Cotton Tail Lounge and Ireland's Inn Hotel Resort. He retired from Ireland's Inn in October, 2000 and joined his wife in Smith County on their KNB Farm. He enjoyed his "Green Acres Farm" lifestyle until he returned to work at his "most favorite" job with Manheim Nashville Car Auction where he worked until May, 2011. He was an avid golfer, great tennis player and enjoyed boating and fishing. He and his wife Kathy were authorized Pet Therapists for the Broward County Humane Society with their precious Pug, Bear. He was well known for his stories, jokes and experiences with his clientele from his restaurants and entertainment businesses. His most famous attribute was being a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his parents. Arthur Tomlinson and Marion Townsend Tomlinson, sister, Jean Tomlinson Amos, Daughter, Judy Tomlinson and one of his best friends, Wendall Kopp. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kathy Tomlinson, children, Sandi (David) Archembeau, Coconut Creek, FL, Shelley Tomlinson, Tampa, Florida, and William (Nancy) Tomlinson, Jacksonville, Florida. Step-children, Ann (Jim) Riffle, Hudson, Ohio, Jeff (Holly) Beatty, Macomb, MI, and Laura (Mike) Donatelli, Mt. Juliet, TN. Grandchildren, Andrea Canora, Angela Canora, Billy Tomlinson, Michael (Mallory) Tomlinson, David Tomlinson, Amanda Riffle, Hannah Riffle, Ashley Beatty, Samantha Beatty, Emma Donatelli and Christian Donatelli. Sister in law and brother-in-law, Janet and Lee Fisher, who helped care for him for the past sick months, brother-in-law, Howard Amos and nephew, Randy (Judy Lindstrom) Foster. Sister-in-law Paula Battelli. Special friends who helped with transportation during his treatments and visits. Carl Woods, Thomas Oakley and Joe and Becky Fuller. His beloved furry companions, Opie, Bella, Lucky, Callie and Chester Special thanks to Dr. Crutcher, Dr. Campbell and staff of th SE Cancer Care Center, Dr. Kehunde, Dr. Peyton, the Staff of Gallatin Health Care and all of his friends at the Manheim Nashville Car Auction for their prayers and well wishes. Mr. Tomlinson interment will be in Palmyra, Ohio at a later date in Mrs. Tomlinson' family cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sherry's Run, PO Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088, Leash on Life, Lebanon and Mt. Juliet or any local Humane Society and Cross Roads Fellowship Church, 7860 Linwood Drive, Lebanon, TN 37090, in Bill's name.