Thomas Britt was born on June 14, 1940, in Hillman, Arkansas to Jonas Fieldon and Lillion Girtrue (Gaston) Britt. He grew up in Iowa Park, Texas, where he worked several jobs and learned to cook from his mother.
On August 31, 1968, he married Nay Dell Stine at Monterey Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas. They shared 55 years of cherished companionship and built a life together filled with love and devotion.
Throughout his life, Thomas was known for his service to others, his work ethic, his stories, and for his cooking. He touched the lives of many with his wit and ability to make you feel like he’s known you forever.
Thomas began working for the Lubbock Fire Department in October 1967. During his tenure as a firefighter, he worked at several stations, but was selected in 1971 as one of the first firemen to be assigned to the station supporting the new Lubbock International Airport. This was his longest assignment and the one that defined his career. While stationed at the airport, Thomas was given the assignment of cooking for the men stationed there. He excelled at this and was such an amazing cook that the City of Lubbock government officials and Fire Department leadership often utilized his services to feed local and visiting dignitaries. Thomas even fed then President, Gerald Ford’s, Secret Service security team when the president was in Lubbock. He received a commendation from the president for this service. As a firefighter, Thomas served as an instructor for the International Firefighting School hosted by the city for several years. He served the city proudly for 32 years and retired in December of 1999.
Thomas and his wife Nay Dell began attending Southcrest Baptist Church in October of 1969. He was a faithful member that served in many capacities. He helped build various structures for the church and served by volunteering lawn care services for many years. It was after he retired from the Fire Department that Thomas began to sing in the choir. He loved to tell people that he “could not carry a tune in a bucket.” Regardless he was a faithful member of the choir at Southcrest. It was a joy for Thomas to be in the choir. It was something he loved to do and rarely missed! He took his role as a servant leader in choir seriously and tried to faithfully lead the congregation in worship every Sunday.
He is survived by his loving spouse, Nay Dell Britt of Lubbock; his children, Bethanna (Randy) Unrein; Warren (Glee) Britt; and Bradley (Kristi) Britt; a niece he loved and raised as his daughter, Crystal Love; siblings, Lillian (Roy) Winters; David (Delinda) Britt; and Dewayne (Deborah) Britt; his grandchildren, Rebecca (James) Anderson; Shelley (Michael) Mangel; Kelley (Todd) Moore; Benton (Alyssa) Britt; Desiree (Bryan) Brooks; Brady Britt; Hunter (Meagan) Britt; Collin (Emily) Britt; Morgan (Zachariah) Vega; Adam (Sydney) Love; Ryan (Brittney) Love; and Troy Love; and his fourteen great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first spouse, Zelma Wheeler, whom he married in January of 1961 and who died in April of 1966. Thomas was also preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Cholette Bevard and Loretta Stephens.
The family of Thomas Britt, a cherished retired firefighter, invites you to join them in honoring his remarkable life. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Family and friends will gather at 1:00pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024, prior to the service at Southcrest Baptist Church for visitation.
A heartfelt service celebrating his 83 years of life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Southcrest Baptist Church.
Thomas peacefully departed this world on Saturday, February 24, 2024. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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