Thomas M. Mauldin

Thomas Monroe Mauldin, 97, of Lake Worth, Florida passed away June 6, 2021, at  Signature Healthcare, Lake Worth, Florida, after a year of declining health.

Tom was born Dec. 27, 1923, in Seneca, South Carolina to James Lewis Mauldin and Velma (Nix) Mauldin. He attended schools there before joining the Navy in 1942. During his 30 year career with the Navy he served aboard the USS Dionysus, USS Roosevelt, USS Merrick, USS Fiske, USS Gilmore, USS Caperton, USS Dashiell and USS Evans. He was a certified hard hat diver. Upon discharge from the Navy, he moved to York, Maine and began working at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He moved to Florida in his retirement.

He grew up on a farm in South Carolina and always loved having a garden. While living in York he managed a huge strawberry field and sold the berries at the end of his driveway. In Florida, his specialty was hot (HOT!) peppers. He was very handy with tools, helping build several homes and making all the frames for his wife Theo's beautiful x-stitch pieces. He could bake the best cornbread you'd ever hope to eat. A very social man, he easily made friends wherever he went

He was predeceased by wives, Theo (McMillan) Mauldin and Beverly Mauldin, and longtime companion Dorothy Cohen. Also, by his son David T. Mauldin, sisters Pauline Alexander, Annie Addis and brother Ben Mauldin. He is survived by grandson Derek (Michelle) Mauldin of Medford, OR, daughter-In-law Karen Mauldin of Yarmouth, ME, sisters Norma (Tom) LeRoy, SC and Doris Wells, GA.

Private burial will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL Arrangement is under the care of Tillman Funeral Home, West Palm Beach, FL