Mr. Timothy Florence

Timothy “Fat” Florence was a kind, God fearing man. He was born on February 4th, 1935, to Moses and Mattie Florence in Comer, Alabama. He was the ninth child in this union and the “baby” of the family. However, he did have additional siblings. Growing up, he was always on the heavier side, resulting in his family nicknaming him “Fat”. He received Christ at an early age and was baptized at his childhood church Mount Olive Baptist in Midway, Alabama. This established the foundation of his relationship with Christ. He received a certificate for completion of Junior H.S. in 1950. Later, he received his High School Diploma at Comer Vocation High School in Eufaula, Alabama during the year 1953. After obtaining his education he moved to Chicago, Illinois at the age of 18 years old. Upon his arrival, he found work in construction. A few years later he gained employment with Chicago Rawhide/CR Industries as a machine operator where he worked for 43 years until his retirement. On August 10, 1957, he married his High School sweetheart Gladys Cobb and to this union two children were born; Rhonnie Que Florence and Tammy Faye Florence. They lived happily married for 66 years. During his lifetime he received several awards and acknowledgments from his employer, church/ministry, and bowling leagues. He joined Grace Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in 1981 and served as a Deacon, Superintendent, and Sunday school teacher for many years. Shortly after joining Grace Fellowship MB Church, he began attending a bible study class taught by his dear friend, Sister Phillips. As he began to study and learn the word of God, his relationship with Christ deepened. Timothy impacted several people’s lives and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He loved studying and teaching God’s word. Some of his hobbies included: bowling, watching sports, spending time and reminiscing with family. A couple of his favorite sayings were “Just keep on living” and “Don’t be the person who gets all you can, can all you get, and sit on the can”. What his Loved ones will miss most are his stories, his positive attitude, his sense of humor, his distinct laugh, his generosity, and his smile. On December 22, 2025, at the age of 90 years old, Timothy was called home to glory and reunited with his high school sweetheart. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Gladys Cobb Florence, his only son Rhonnie Que Florence, his parents Moses and Mattie Florence, all his siblings (except one), several family members, several friends, and several in-laws. He leaves to cherish his memory: his only daughter Tammy (Reed) Robinson of Concord, North Carolina; his only granddaughter Rhonda (Michael) Florence of Matteson, Illinois; his grandsons Darius and Daniel Robinson of Concord, North Carolina; his great-grandsons Clayton and Marion; his only living sibling Willie (Donna) Solomon of Haines City, Florida, his close cousin Otis (Olethea) Bryant of Los Angeles, California; his lifelong friend Reverend O.C. Comer of Gary Indiana; and a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Mr. Timothy Florence

February 4, 1935 - December 22, 2025