John Thomas Fornea, Age 65, passed in to heaven on July 8, 2017.

Known as “John Thomas”, “JT”, “John” and “Tommy”. He was a local singer/musician who successfully led the bands “Mystic Illusions” and “John Thomas and The Southern Country Band”. WRJW employed him as a radio personality for many years. He loved studying and preserving history and served as past Commander of the Gainesville Volunteers unit of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Tommy was a patriot who volunteered to serve his country during the Vietnam War by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and obtained the rank of Sergeant before rejoining civilian life. He graduated with honors from Pearl River Community College as an LPN and completed MSU’s Master Gardener program. Tommy was a talented artist and avid outdoorsman.

John Fornea was born on March 3, 1952 in Columbia, MS, to James Edward Fornea Sr. and Tommie Delores Nellums Fornea. He is predeceased by his parents and grandparents Nettie Harris Fornea, Johnny Benjamin Fornea, Nola Cuevas Nellums and Alonzo Thomas Nellums.

Left to cherish his memory are: His wife, Allison Diane Blades Fornea and her daughter, Sara Frances Tate; His children: Erica Christian Fornea Jackson, Garrett Thomas Fornea and their mother, Michaela Marie Holland Fornea Elliott (James); His Siblings: James Edward Fornea Jr. (Karen), Nettie Elizabeth “Libbie” Fornea and Kathy Diane Fornea Stockstill (Kevin); And their children: Monica Delores Stockstill, Jessica Rochelle Stockstill Christensen (Mike), James Brandon Fornea (Kim) and Heather Nicole Fornea Puckett (John, deceased); And many more nieces, nephews, great nephews, great nieces, extended family and friends.

The Fornea family is especially thankful for the “A Team”, who cared for “Tom Bug” during his illness. They are Kathy Stockstill, Jessica Christensen and his little partner “Tori Bug”

A special thank you to Kathy Busco and Hospice House of Slidell.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pearl River County SPCA would be greatly appreciated.

Memorial services will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home.

Obituary, Register Book, and Driving Directions may be found at www.mcdonaldfh.com