Thomas C. Lemons

Thomas C. Lemons, 74, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, at Munroe Regional Medical Center. He was born in Wellington, Texas, and moved to this area in 1968. He was a graduate of Bixby High School in Bixby, Okla., and served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a world renowned crew chief for Big Daddy Don Garlits for 17 years, leading the car to 10 world championships.

He is survived by his sister, Wanda Lemons Kannady and her husband, Bill, of Sheldon, Mo.; special friends, Don and Pat Garlits and the entire Garlits Drag Racing family; and his nieces, Marsha Hooper and her husband, Rick, and Marilyn Deem and her husband, Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Clara Holt Lemons; and his nephew, Michael William Kannady.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 6-8 p.m., at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 5946 SE Robinson Rd. in Belleview. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing 13700 SW 16th Ave., Ocala, FL 34473 or the 1320 Quarter Mile Foundation, 6210 Beverly Dr., Cleveland, OH 44130.