Thomas Wince

Our much beloved Thomas David Wince, of Marina, CA, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2024 after a short 5 day diagnosis of an aggressive Leukemia (AML). He was 73 years young. Born in Kitzengen, Germany as a military child he grew up as he liked to say “on this planet mostly.’

After graduating from Carroll High School in 1969 in Ozark, Alabama, Thomas traveled the USA for several years before returning to the Monterey Bay to begin a more settled life. He held numerous jobs throughout his life with the most rewarding and self-fulfilling was as a Professional Massage Therapist while in NC. Being able to remove someone from pain and forget their trouble for even a short time, brought him joy.

Being an avid lover of the outdoors, Thomas spent much time hiking in the mountains including 1,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail alone and with his partner Brona. He cherished the Big Sur area for its serene beauty. His love for the outdoors and nature brought out his happy free spirit. The past year of his life found him voyaging by sea as he took six cruises and enjoying a new way to adventure.

Thomas is survived by a very broken hearted family including his 20 year life partner, best friend and love of his life, Brona D’Ambra Wince. They were inseparable. He very much loved his two daughters, Cheryl Wince (Steve Crowder of Madera, CA) of Gilroy, CA and Michel Wince Castleberry (Kat) of Olympia, Washington. Poppa Tom’s open arms extended to his grandchildren and plus-grandchildren: Kylie Castleberry Verley (Ryan), Lillian Castleberry, Evan Thomas Castleberry, Abby Castleberry, Kelsey Crowder (Luis Soto), Peyton Rudisill, Tucker Rudisill, Curtis Clontz and Samantha Clontz Williams. Also missing him are seven Great Grandchildren, Waylon Verley, Miles Verley, Josue Soto, Caroline Clontz, Grayson Clontz, Dominic Williams and Bailey Williams and a number of nieces, cousins and extended family

He is also survived by his Brother William (Bill) Wince (Ruth) of Hot Springs, AR, Sister Elaine Wince Turner (Lucky) of Marina, CA, and Brother Steve Wince (Marilyn) of Hot Springs, AR. His past wives include Mary Anne Wince of Hot Springs, AR and Joan Wince of Midway, Georgia. His most trusted friends include: Ricky and Judy Gallagher of Monterey, CA and Rick and Terri Edwards of Marion, NC.

Thomas was preceded in death by his mother Goldie Wince, adopted father Sherman Wince, and father David Marion Lucas of Ohio and son-in-law Brian Castleberry.

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Thomas’ life in their own way, either smoking a bowl or raising a glass of their favorite drink in his memory would be quiet appropriate.

Thomas had a compassionate heart for the homeless and downtrodden. In lieu of flowers, Thomas requested for his family and friends to do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some unfortunate soul in Thomas’ name.