Joseph Rance Thomas Sr

Joseph Rance Thomas. Sr., (Chief, USN Ret.) 76, of Orange Park, FL passed away February 14, 2015. He was born in Screven, GA to parents Charles and Hettie Mae (McBee) Thomas on August 6, 1938. He had made Orange Park his home for over 55 years. Mr. Thomas had retired from the US Navy after over 21 years of service and went on to serve almost 20 years more in civil service. He loved the United States and devoted his life to its service. He was also a Mason, a Shriner, a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies and a member of the Fleet Reserve. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Charters Thomas; son, Joseph Rance Thomas Jr. and his wife Teri; daughter, Denise A. Harry; sisters, Joanne Lee and Annette Henry; sister-in-law, Cathleen Thomas; grandchildren, Brandon C. Thomas, Heather Mae Henry, Francine Nicole Thomas and Ashlee Schihl. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Crippled Children’s Transportation Fund c/o Shriner’s Hospital. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000