Thomas Edward Wakefield

Thomas Edward Wakefield, 87, of Valdosta, died on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born on October 29, 1933 in Stratford, Texas to the late William Thomas and Irene Elenor Boyd Wakefield. He received his Master’s degree from Troy State University and was a retired Lt Colonel with the United States Air Force where he was the Director of Personnel Management. He was a member of First Christian Church where he had served as an elder and was deeply involved with ministry and outreach of the church. He was passionate about God’s word and was diligent in reading it, sharing it, and teaching its truths to others. He was an inspiration and example to his family and friends on how to live the Christian life and to walk with God.
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Amanda Wakefield of Ray City; daughters and sons-in-law, Kim Clayton of Valdosta, Karen and Michael Suttle of Powder Springs, Tonia and Bruce Walker of Lake Park, Teresa and Phillip Bishop of Jefferson, Ga.; a son and daughter-in-law, Truett and Sonya Wakefield of Daphne, Alabama; grandchildren and their spouses, Amber Wakefield, Andrea Wakefield, Travis and Alexis Clayton, Erin and Ben Harvey, Megan and John Gallegos, Kellie Tinley, Stacie Studstill, Camryn Studstill, Rachael and Jake Garner, Leah and Justin Roberts, and Lacy Wakefield; 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Nan Wakefield, and a son, Michael Kent Wakefield, and two brothers, Lyle Wakefield and Glenn Wakefield.
A private family graveside service for Thomas Edward Wakefield will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens with Mr. John Chick officiating. Military honors will be rendered at the cemetery. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.