Obituary: Thomas Cleveland "Tommy" DeLoach

Thomas Cleveland “Tommy” DeLoach, 79, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. He was born on Jan. 19, 1940, in Pensacola to Thomas Baltzell DeLoach and Gladys Cassell DeLoach, but shortly thereafter moved to Winter Garden.

He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1958 and from The Citadel, also known as the military college of the South, in 1962 with a mathematics degree. After graduation from The Citadel, Tommy entered into the United States Army as a second lieutenant.

On Feb. 26, 1966, Tommy married Dawn Princeton at the Ocoee Christian Church. An analytical mind with a love for numbers, it was no surprise Tommy was recruited to work on the Apollo Space Program as a Systems Analyst in Cape Canaveral.

Returning to Winter Garden, Tommy worked as the chief operating and financial officer for Holland Properties/TM Ranch for almost 50 years. 

Passionate about his community, Tommy was a former City of Winter Garden Commissioner and an active member of the Rotary Club of Winter Garden for more than 40 years, having served as president. He also was a founding member of the West Orange Girls Club.

Tommy was a brilliant man, passionate about his family, a loyal friend, a dedicated employee who loved to go to the office, a proud community member with a deep sense of integrity, a true American hero, frequent diner at the Country House and an overall great man. He enjoyed adventurous travel all over the world, old cars, country music, all types of dessert, years of coaching softball, cheering on his grandkids from the stage to the fields, and the City of Winter Garden. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. 

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Dawn; his daughter, Nicole, and son-in-law, Matthew Hubbard, of Tampa; daughter, Michelle, and son-in-law, Matthew Friedman, of Winter Garden; brother, Robert, and wife, Debbie, of Clermont; brother, James, and wife, Sandi, of Ocoee. He is also survived by his grandkids, Austin and Ansley Hubbard, and Elena and Brett Friedman.

A celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019. Memorial gifts in Mr. DeLoach’s memory can be made to First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden to be used for the repair of the bell tower or to Cornerstone Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden.