Thomas George Wimberly

Thomas George Wimberly was born on May 1, 1927 in Shreveport, LA to the union of George Thomas Wimberly and the late Inez Booker. When his father passed, the family moved to Chicago, IL.

Thomas attended Betsy Ross Elementary School and Englewood High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and fought in three wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In 1967 he retired from the Corps after 27 years of service, only to begin another job at Republic Steel, where he became head of Security.

On July 4, 1948, Thomas married his high school sweetheart, Bernice Wilson, and they were blessed with five children and sixty-three years of marriage. Thomas was a strict father and stern disciplinarian. As a military family, they lived in Virginia, North Carolina, California, Hawaii and Chicago.

Thomas was a man of strong faith and convictions. After accepting Christ, he united with the Church of God in Christ and became an ordained Minister in Honolulu, Hawaii. Later, he united with the Worldwide Church of Serenity Outreach Ministries in Elkhart, IN under the leadership of Pastors Craig and Remona McKenzie.

Thomas was an excellent Chef and cook. In the Marines, he served as a Mess Sergeant and ran food service facilities on military installations. He was awarded several Good Conduct Medals, Rifle and Pistol Marksman Badges. Thomas loved to visit flea markets and to do home remodeling. He was a licensed Barber, President of the 78th and ADA St. Block Club in his former neighborhood in Chicago for many years.

Thomas departed this life on January 29, 2017. His wife, Bernice, preceded him in death, as well as his youngest son, Michael. Three siblings, Cornelia Woods, Rita Washington and George Rutherford also preceded him in death.

He is survived by 2 brothers, Telkia Rutherford and Ralph Rutherford(Dorothy); a sister, Libby Taylor; a sister-in-law, Cheryl Rutherford. He also leaves to mourn his passing: 4 children: Dena Hall, Janet Henderson, Mark Wimberly (Lisa) and Karen Glover (Kettrell); twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; also, many nieces, nephews, acquaintances and friends.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday February 4, 2017 at St. James AME for one hour prior to the 11 A.M. Funeral Service. Pastor Remona McKenzie will officiate. He will be laid to rest at Prairie Street Cemetery, next to his beloved wife. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corps and D.A.V. # 19.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.