POLLARD, THOMAS D.

Thomas David Pollard, 87, of Destin, Fla., passed away Sept. 1, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends.

Thomas was born in Mulberry, Ind., and lived his youth in Gainesville, Fla., with his parents, Ailene Atherton and Dr. Cash Blair Pollard. He attended Gordon Military Academy in Barnesville, GA.

Lt. Col. Thomas Pollard had a long and distinguished military career in the Edson’s Raiders, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, and the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. His numerous military honors for his valor in World War II and the Korean War include the Silver Star with cluster, two Purple Hearts and a Distinguished Service Cross.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Thrilda B. Pollard; and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The families are a son, Thomas Edward Pollard and his children, Thomas Jr. and Monica; daughter, Barbara Lynn (Pollard) Adair and her children, Scott, Allison and Ashley; daughter, Nancy Blair Pollard and her children, Jeffrey, Melissa, Gwen, Charlie, Tony, Rod and Marcella (deceased); daughter, Toody (Pollard) Porter, son-in-law Tom, and their children, Kati, Annabelle and Tom Jr.; daughter, Sharon (Pollard) Wexler, son-in-law Abraham, and their children, Alana (Howard Schwartz) and Suzanne; and daughter, Suzanne Pollard (deceased). He had 38 great-grandchildren.

Please join us for a celebration of Thomas’ life at 1 p.m. Sept. 4 at Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 John Sims Parkway East in Niceville. A reception will follow. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in honor of Thomas Pollard may be made to the Cedars Cancer Institute, 2155 Guy St., Suite 900, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3H-2R9.