LANCASTER—Thomas Earl Tomlin Sr. softly slipped away on October 24, 2024 at home surrounded by his five children and devoted friend, Phyllis Walters.
Earl was born in Lancaster County on November 3, 1943, to Alma Tomlin Gaines and the late Ryland Tomlin Jr.
Earl joined the Willie Chapel Baptist Church in Lancaster at an early age, where he was a faithful member and faithful tither. He helped out wherever he was needed.
Earl was educated at the A.T. Wright School in White Stone and graduated from Brookvale High School in Lancaster. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America. In 2007 he was recognized by Trinity Episcopal Church as an Unsung Hero making him the first African American to receive recognition in Lancaster.
Earl married his high school sweetheart, Pauline J. Ball, on January 5, 1963, and from that union they were blessed with five children.
Earl was employed by Clawson Egg Farm at an early age until Tri-Star took over the company. He worked there until he retired in 2018. His children honored him with a retirement party for his dedicated services. Earl loved people and passed his love of all people to his children, grandchildren and everyone who he came in contact with.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline J. Tomlin; father, Ryland Tomlin Jr.; sisters, Gardine Tomlin and Ruth Gibson; brother, Lee Tomlin; and grandson, Jockea Tomlin.
Earl leaves to cherish his memories his loving mother, Alma Gainesl; children, Earline Kelley, Pauline T. Saunders (Jonathan), Thomas Earl Tomlin Jr. (Yolanda), Lori J. Ball (Mark) and Fickie Robinson (Greg); siblings, Harold Tomlin (Wendell), Stella Tomlin, Debra Fowlkes, Levern Taylor and Wanda Ricks; aunt, Geneva Vaughn; sister-in-law, Cora Thompson (Toby); brother-in-law, John Gibson; cousin, Cora Byrd (Bill); and a special devoted friend Phyllis Walters; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many devoted friends.
Campbell Funeral Home of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
