Thomas Harper Doss' Obituary
Thomas Harper Doss, 62, affectionately known by his friends and family as “Tom” or “Cornbread”, passed away on June 6, 2021. Born a twin in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Thomas was the son of the late Mrs. Fannie Mae Doss and Mr. Criswell Harper. He was married to Addie Kendricks Doss (predeceased). Thomas was a resident of Fairfield Township, New Jersey for over 40 years. For most of his childhood, he resided in Brotmanville, New Jersey.
Thomas graduated from Arthur P. Schalick High School in 1978. He was a proud product of Seabrook, Pittsgrove Township and Vineland Public Schools. In 1980 Thomas enrolled at Glassboro State College, currently known as Rowan University. There, he was a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity Inc. (Spring81’). While in high school and college, Thomas was a standout, all-around, student athlete. He played basketball, football, baseball and ran track, which earned him many distinguished accolades.
As an active member of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Union (IFPTE - Local 195), Thomas exhibited a strong work ethic. He was employed by Vineland Developmental Center, Vineland, NJ, for 39 years. Prior to that, he worked at Manpower and Kimble Glass Inc. also in Vineland, NJ. Maintaining a job and being self-sufficient was instilled in him early-on by his beloved mother and father.
Thomas was the eighth of ten children; five boys and five girls. He had the added bonus of being a twin. Thomas and his twin, Timothy (AKA “Biscuit”), had an incredibly close, loving bond. When you saw one, you typically would see the other; both handsome, with infectious smiles, stylish attire, kind words and vast jokes. From working, to shopping, to barbecuing, “The Twins” enthusiastically embraced life together, as a beautiful, invincible team. A team which also included many of their dear friends.
Thomas loved family, food, laughter, music, and dance. Tall in stature, he was a gentle soul; one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He had an amazing sense of humor, infectious smile and took great pride in seeing others happy. At family gatherings, Thomas never disappointed; he always seemed to impress with a “back in the day” dance move, that left everyone in awe, particularly, the younger generations.
In addition to being a charismatic storyteller, Thomas was very concerned about the wellbeing of others (especially his nieces and nephews), who knew that they had to be “ready” for Uncle Tom’s “unique questioning” regarding their lives; questioning that helped him gauge whether they were okay and were leading positive, productive lives. For, it was through him, that many of them as children, learned how to drive, ride bikes, play sports, braid hair and gain other important, practical life skills. The imprint that he has left on their lives and the lives of many others is truly a blessing.
To cherish his precious memory, he leaves two sisters; Dorothy M. Hall (Charles, predeceased) Somerset, NJ and Ruthie Mack (Reverend John) Cedarville, NJ as well as three brothers, Vaughn Doss (Olive) Bridgeton, NJ, Timothy Doss “twin”, Bridgeton, NJ, Kenneth Doss, (Loretta) Sicklerville, NJ and a Brother-in-Law, Lester Pegues (Barbara Jean, sister - predeceased) and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends in Florida, Georgia, Washington D.C., Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia. Three sisters and one brother preceded Thomas in death; Joyce Doss, Barbara Jean Pegues, Ruby Haqq and Robert Doss, Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing and funeral on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Services will be held at Heavensway Beth-Shaun Baptist Church, 1029 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360, Rev. John Wesley Mack, Sr., Pastor. The viewing will be from 9:00am - 11:00am with the funeral service immediately, following at 11:00am. The interment will be in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, 457 Greenwich Rd., Hopewell Township, NJ 08302. In order to protect the safety of all, attendees are asked to please wear a mask.
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