Thomas "Tom" Torgersen, Jr., of Panama City, FL, passed away from his earthly home on February 22, 2015 to spend eternity in heaven. A native of Panama City, Tom was born to Tom and Ida Torgersen on August 19, 1926. He graduated early from Bay High School in 1944 to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII, earning an assignment on a Submarine Chaser in the Pacific realm. After proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, Tom attended Florida State University's first co-ed class and became a charter member of the highly regarded FSU Circus. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Eleanor Glenn, and they married in March of 1948; this year would mark their 67th anniversary. He later joined the Navy again during the Korean conflict as a Petty Officer and Quartermaster on Navy ships in the Atlantic.
Tom followed his father into the Stevedoring business with assignments ranging from Gulfport, MS to Wilmington, NC, but his love for Panama City found him spending most of his working years there. He enjoyed the challenges of the business, but mostly appreciated meeting ship captains and crews from all over the world. The life-long friends he made with his work colleagues were an inspiration to him. He retired from Ryan-Walsh Stevedoring Company in 1992 and continued on-call with them for several years afterwards. His post-career circle of friends, and there were many of them, were to be found at First Baptist Church or at the Downtown Marina's infamous "Coffee Club."
Tom was a born-again Christian, following Jesus through First Baptist Church of Panama City, where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed all aspects of the water, from boating to fishing to just admiring God's creation. More than anything, he loved his family and spending time with them; he always made them his top priority. Time with him was made to be fun! He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 68 years, Eleanor Glenn Nash Torgersen and his two sons, Thomas E. Torgersen (Hope) and Todd O. Torgersen (Gayle) and a sister, Ingrid Torgersen Warren. He especially cherished his grandchildren, Erin Torgersen Bargar, Mallory Torgersen, Reid Torgersen and his great-grandsons, Kevin Torgersen and Logan Bargar. He is preceded in death by his parents Tom and Ida Torgersen and his sister Thea Torgersen Shoaf. He also enjoyed his relationship with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws. Tom departed this earth as a Christ-follower, a great family man, a leader, an inspiration, a good friend and a patriot; a life well-lived. He will be missed by all that knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the building fund at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1200, Panama City, FL 32402 in memory of Thomas Torgersen. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of First Baptist Church.