Thomas Earl (Tom) Nobles, 77, of Ocala, Florida, died March 22 in Gainesville, Florida. Born in Punta Gorda, Florida on November 23rd 1932 to Thomas Daniel Nobles and Abbigail Mathias, he was raised in Chipley, Florida graduating from Chipley High School. He was a veteran of the Korean conflict serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Frank D. Evans, and after serving, graduated from Florida State University, receiving degrees in public administration and journalism.

After graduation, he was employed by Ring Power Corporation, later serving as the Coordinator for the Governor's Highway Safety Commission and as Deputy Director of the Florida Department of Transportation. After public service, he was actively involved in the real estate and insurance fields, and retired from Anderson Columbia Contracting. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Jackson Lodge #1, Morocco Shrine Temple, Optimist Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the USS Frank D. Evans Association.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Catherine Smith Nobles, three children, Tommy (Pam) of Eastpoint, Florida; Mark of Carrabelle, Florida; Beth Waters (Dick) of Ocala, Florida; his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; and an Uncle, Harris Nobles of Gainesville, Florida;

Graveside services will be held at New Orange Baptist Church on Saturday, March 27th at 1:00 P.M. (CDT). Arrangements are being handled by Brown Funeral Home, 1068 Main Street, Chipley Florida (850) 638-4010