Maj. Thomas A. Nicholson
" Tommy "
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Lakeland - Maj. Thomas A. " Tommy " Nicholson age 90, died of cancer February 6, 2010. He was born February 23, 1919 in Bartow, Polk Co.,Fl. to parents T.A."Nick" Nicholson and Rosa Lee Nicholson.  He is survived by his wife; one daughter; two step-daughters 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  He became a member of the First Baptist Church where he served for 42 years including 25 as a deacon.  At the age of 13 his faith was tested when he lost his father, a Lakeland Police Officer Nick Nicholson,badge # 4, was the first Lakeland policeman to be killed in the line of duty.  Tommy graduated from Lakeland Sr. High School, class of 1935. He worked for Lalonde Elec.Co. then Mine and Mill Supply Co.  Tommy enlisted in the US Army Corp. of Engineers World War II  and began his service in the Panama Canal Zone at age 21. He was awarded a citation for the best Private in his company. Tommy applied for pilot training after Pearl Harbor, as S/Sgt. Silver Wing Pilot, and graduated in Oct.9, 1942 from Twin Engine Advanced Flight School at Ellington Field,in Houston Tx. After WWII Tommy returned home to Lakeland and enrolled in Fl.Southern College, and took a position in the Lakeland Post Office.

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