John B. Tomlinson

Mr. Tomlinson was born in Macon, IL, and was a son of the late John B. and Margaret Dunn Tomlinson, Sr.  His early work in Illinois was as a part time farmer and machine shop welder, and then became a commercial pilot and flight instructor.  He moved to NC in 1959 as company pilot and maintenance supervisor for the Clinton Corporation where he worked until 1965.  He then went to work for the Vanderbilt Shirt Company where he stayed until retiring as maintenance supervisor in 1977.

He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and a former member of the Knights of Columbus, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Flying Farmers of America.

He is survived by two daughters, Sharon Louise Tomlinson and Kathleen Sue Sides;  three sons, James Francis Tomlinson, Thomas Lee Tomlinson, John William Tomlinson;  four sisters, Pauline Harpstrite, Elizabeth Jesse, Rita Freeman, and Lois Falconer;  four brothers, Wayne Tomlinson, James Tomlinson, Charles Tomlinson, and Lloyd Tomlinson;  eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be 11 am Wednesday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church  with the Rev. John Pagel officiating.  Burial will be at West Memorial Park.

His family will receive friends from 7 - 8:30 pm Tuesday at Groce Funeral Home and request that memorials be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church or to one's favorite charity.