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Funeral Program for Thomas Gore

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Message Celebration of Life for Thomas “TopCat" Gore, Sr. February 24, 1941 ~ May 22, 2025 Saturday. June 7, 2025 11 AM BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH 1814 East 38th Street Savannah, GA 31404 Rev. Gregory E. Lordnum, Pastor

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The Life and Legacy of Thomas “TopCat” Gore, Sr. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3) What we once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. We celebrate the life and memory of Thomas Gore, Sr., he took his seat into heaven on Thursday May 22, 2025, at the age of 84. We thank God for his unmerited favor, grace, and mercy on and over his life. He was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina on February 24, 1941, to the late Bobby and Ruth Gore. He was the fourth child of ten children. They were Sammy, Gussie, Herbert Lee, and Verdell who preceded him in death. Affectionally known as “TopCat” by family, friends and all who knew him; he spent most of life in Savannah, GA and received his formative education in public school of Chatham County, graduating from Sol C. Johnson High School. He married his childhood sweetheart Betty Jean Frazier-Gore in 1969 in Savannah, GA. From this union, two children were born Steven (Stevie) Tryone Gore and Thomas (Lurdy) Gore. Thomas was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He made everyone feel welcome and love telling jokes. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Thomas labored as a construction worker in Savannah, GA and South Carolina. He worked for various construction companies as a Foreman assisting with building bridges. He took great pride in getting up every morning and going to his job. He decided to embark on his field on the Savannah waterfront as a Longshoreman employee; working at International Longshoreman’s Association, Local 1414 for 20 years, where he retired in 2014. He had a strong work ethic and instilled that in his sons. He was truly a man’s man who did not try to impress anyone; he lived in his own truth. He had an extreme love for life and loved to laugh and celebrate everything. He enjoyed family gatherings and had a love of hats, cars, fishing, and boating. Thomas’s departure leaves an emptiness in all of us. Until we meet again, he leaves to cherish his memories; two loving and devoted sons, Steven Tyrone Gore (Cynthia) Savannah, Ga; Thomas Gore, Jr. (Monica), Savannah, Ga. Two daughters: Hope Michelle Bradley and Julia Baker who reside in Atlanta, GA. His memory will live on by his siblings: Robert Gore (Barbara), Savannah, GA, Bejamin Gore, Ridgeland, SC, Marjorie Adams, Philadelphia, PA, Loretta Lloyd, Newark, NJ and Dorothy Gore-Estelle (Everette), Savannah, GA. Thomas adored his grandchildren, they will continue to cherish his memories, Johnelle Gore, Aurrelle Tyle Gore-King (Greg), TeNiyah Gore, Heaven Gore, Quincy Bradley, Taylor Bradley, Lee Baker, Chanel Baker. Lauren Baker, and great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins of whom he treasured. Although Thomas’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.

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The Order of Service Rev. Gregory E. Lordnum, Pastor Musical Prelude Processional Final Viewing Clergy, Family and Friends Prayer of Comfort Minister Shannon Nelson Song of Comfort Soloist, Bro. Philip Bell Scripture Readings Sis. Demetres Thomas Moments of Reflections (2 minutes) As a Church Member Bro. Lawrence Hutchin As a Family Friend Bro. Benjamin Walker As a Co-Worker Bro. Willie Seymore As Family Members (Cousins) Bro. John Gore & Sis. Alinda Rivers Reading-Letter To My Father Sis. Tarsha Estell Church Resolution Sis. Ruth Prince Acknowledgement of Condolences Sis. Sheanna Prince Obituary Read Silently Song of Comfort (Soloist) Soloist, Bro. Phillip Bell Eulogy/Words of Encouragement Reverend Gregory E. Lordnum Recessional Committal, Closing Prayer, Benediction & Interment Oak Grove Cemetery Savannah, GA 31404 Repast Bethel AME Church 1814 East 38th Street, Savannah, GA 31401

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For My Father…. This is for you and only you. As I sit up late at 2:18am, I think about you and my Mom. I just want to tell you both, I know that there have been some difficult times; however, what parents you know who does not go through challeng-es with their kids. I just want to tell you my heartaches be-cause you left before I could make you proud. So, every day, I will look up to the sky hoping and praying that you are watching. The toughest thing is that it does not matter how many people tell me what an amazing job I’ve done and that they “are” proud of me; I will never get to hear you both say, “Lurdy we are proud of you” however, that’s okay. God, knows I had the most won-derful time with you both!! I did the best job that I could, now my job as a son has expired. If it were not for you, I don’t know what I would have done. I love you both! I appreciate you and I thank God that he has chosen you to be my Father. Love You Both… Until we meet again! Lurdy Gore My Beloved Father “Thomas” Thomas…. Your hard hands are now at rest. You are at peace Thomas-Dad-Father… Thank you for teaching me and Stevie everything you know. We will keep your dreams alive. We love you Dad “Thomas”. Stevie & Lurdy To My Daughter-In-Law From the moment you became a part of our family you brought warmth, kindness and a light to our life and we’re so grateful. I watched the way you love, support and care not just for my son but for everyone around you; you fill my heart with pride. You are more than a daughter-in-law; you are a daughter to me. I am thankful for you and I’m glad our paths crossed in this lifetime. So, what I am trying to say is that I love you, Daughter. I know my son gives you a hard time, but that never has stopped the love and care you have shown me. I want to thank you for taking care of me. Love you Mon-ica Gore! With Love, Thomas Gore, Sr.

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A “Your Loved Ones Deserve the Very Best” 510 Stephenson Ave. | Savannah, Georgia 31405 (912) 354-6260 | www.adamsfuneralservicesinc.com © Published By: (912) 238-9646 ~ mobile (912) 604-1986 Email: trinitygraphicsinc@gmail.com Pallbearers Family and Friends Expression of Gratitude The family of Thomas Gore, Sr., would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from everyone. There is such comfort in knowing that we are not alone. Thank you for being there for us and for honoring the memory of our loved one. We are blessed beyond measures to have experienced the passing of our loved one from his earthly journey to his heavenly home. Our sincere appreciation to the Bethel AME Church family for their support during this challenging time. Your love, kindness and prayers will never be forgotten. To everyone, your kind words, calls, visits, and acts of compassion have bought us comfort and strength. May God continue to bless you. The Family of Thomas Gore, Sr. If Roses Grow in Heaven If roses grow in heaven, Lord, Please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my father’s arms. And tell him they’re from me. Tell him I love and miss him, And when he turns to smile, Place a kiss upon his cheek. And hold him for a while. Because remembering him is easy, I do it every day, But there is an ache within my heart. That will never go away.