Obituary of Tom Tinney

Tommon Martin Tinney, 81, peacefully returned to be with His Lord and Savior, at his home Wednesday, June 15, 2016, after an extended illness. Tom was born into a prominent southern family. He had roots in rural South Georgia and North Florida. Several members of Tom's immediate family served in Florida's state government. Tom, referred to by his business moniker, "Good Ole Tom," was a true American entrepreneur. Born in Jacksonville, FL June 19, 1934, he spent much of his life in Florida. As a youngster, Tom's entrepreneurial gifts led to his opening an errand business in Florida's Historic State Capitol to serve state government officials. He considered himself a southern "gentleman", and a true Floridian. As a young adult, Tom served in the Korean Conflict with the U. S. Army. Upon returning to Florida in the mid-1950s, Tom managed an office supply company, built homes, managed mortgages, owned and flew small airplanes and operated an insurance agency. He began his business path that would last through the last 50 years of his life in the mid 1960s when he opened a stamp and coin hobby business, Aabaco Treasures, in South Miami, FL. He relocated the business to Tallahassee, FL in 1970 and branded it as the Treasure Hut, and subsequently Good Ole Tom's, in the 1980s, where he had numerous stores in Tallahassee, FL. and Atlanta, GA. At the time of his death, Good Ole Tom's continues to operate the business consisting of five separate stores in three states: two sites in Hartford, CT, two in Tucson, AZ., and one in Tallahassee, FL. He expanded the business to its current operation including: buying and selling jewelry, precious metals, US and foreign coins and currency, along with other fine and precious collectibles. Tom was a national expert regarding all aspects of new and estate jewelry, coins, precious gems and other valuables. Moreover, his knowledge was primarily self-taught through reading books, trade journals, joining and attending national organizations and trade shows. Tom also embraced life and lived through many adventures. This included travel throughout Europe and Asia over the years, along with many motorcycle trips with friends and family throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula. Tom leaves his loving wife, Patricia Futch, who stood with him and provided care and support throughout his long illness. He also leaves four stepchildren, their spouses, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many of whom reside in the Tucson, AZ area. Lori Tinney, his daughter, lives in Tallahassee, FL and operates the Treasure Hut store there. Tom also leaves several other cousins, nieces and nephews. He is succeeded by a childhood friend of over 75 years, Charles H. Strickland of Tallahassee, a sister-in-law, and many employees who have been with Tom and his wife for many years. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Edna Lee Livingston, and father, Russell Tinney, older brother, Robert "Sonny" Lee, and their half-brother, renowned artist, Jonathan D. Livingston. In addition, Tom's son, Tom Tinney, Jr. perished in a vehicle accident in 1995. Visitation for Tom will be held June 20, 2016, 5 - 8PM at Bring's Broadway Chapel, 6910 East Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710. Funeral services for Tom will be held June 21, 2016 at 10 AM at Bring's Broadway Chapel, 6910 East Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710. Memorial gifts may be made to the Gerinet Hospice Healthcare, 6375 East Tanque Verde Ste. 180, Tucson AZ 85715.