Thomas Dinkins, Jr

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there
shall be no more death; neither sorrow, nor crying; neither
shall there be any more pain, for the former things have passed
away.
It has been the will of God in his own potency to call Mr.
Thomas Dinkins, Jr., from his labor and reward our precious dear
one.
Born June 26, 1949 in Camden, South Carolina. He was the son of
the late Thomas Dinkins, Sr., and Elizabeth Ann Dinkins.
Thomas, "Dink" "Tommy" or "Toma" Dinkins Jr., affectionately
known by family and friends departed this life at home in
Lansdowne, PA under the loving care of his beloved wife Elaine
D. Dinkins.
He attended grade school in Camden, South Carolina and continued
his education after his family moved to Philadelphia, PA, where
he received his high school diploma. On September 27, 1967 he
enlisted in the United States Armed Forces specializing as an
Infantry Fire Crewman. He sustained an injury while serving and
was honorably discharged on September 26, 1969. He received
decorations, medals, badges and commendations such as the National
Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service
Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, Purple Heart,
Marksman Badge Rifle, Bronze Star, and a Silver Star which is
the United States Armed Forces third-highest personal decoration
for valor in combat.
After discharge he held many positions throughout his career.
However, his last, was employed with the Department of Veterans
Affairs (DVA) located in Philadelphia, PA from 2000 to 2005 and
the year he retired. After retiring, he became an Advocate for
Veterans where he was an informant and assistant to other
veterans regarding the Veterans Benefits Program. He was always
eager and had a wealth of information to share with his fellow
brothers.
He unselfishly shared his knowledge of the Veterans Benefits
Program to ensure that his family and VA friends received the VA
benefits that they earned. Also, he make it known that he was a
true VA advocate.
Thomas was a very intelligent man with a loving spirit and a
beautiful smile. He enjoyed sitting in the park (Fernhill) with
friends on warm summer days listening to jazz. He also enjoyed
fishing, horseshoes, pool, dominos and chess. Indeed, he was a
fierce competitor/teacher and organized a Chess Club while
employed with the DVA as well.
Within all that, he was a devoted husband and son with an
unconditional love for his wife and mother.

Thomas was preceded in death by his brother: Lonnie, and sister in law Debbie.
Thomas enters into a beautiful place that God has prepared and
leaves to celebrate his home-going and to cherish precious and
fond memories a loving wife, Elaine D. Dinkins, a loving Mother,
Elizabeth Ann Dinkins, Brother; Donald Mickle and Sister; Janet
Graham, Daughters; Tanya Williams (Shawn Williams), Denise
Dinkins, Antoinette Freeman, Tahira Briggs (Sharif Briggs), and
Tyshonda, Sons; Julius Goldsmith, Stanley,
and Kyree, Sister-in laws; Ann, Carol, Marilyn, Sheila, Melody, Brother-in-laws; James, Steven, Kevin,
Tony and Michael, Grandchildren; (16) Great (3)
and many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and special
friends; Solo and Toast. Also, his very special friend (ride or
die) Freeman Chambliss, Special cousins; Tangie and Frankie;
Special nephew; Chad
Submitted with Love,
The Family