THOMASVILLE — Missing mortar in a chimney resulted in a fire that destroyed an East Monroe Street house Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.

Through the years, mortar in the living room chimney had fallen out. Heat from gas logs went through the damaged chimney and into the attic, said Tim Connell, Thomasville Fire/Rescue chief fire marshal.

A board in the attic became hot enough to catch fire.

“It’s what we call radiant heat,” Connell said.

The 508 East Monroe house, built in 1906, was the home of Becky Floyd and her husband, Charles Teachey. Previously it was the home of Sarah Annie Floyd, a well-known local sports enthusiast who died about three years ago at age 95.

The majority of Sarah Annie Floyd’s vast collection of sports memorabilia is salvageable, Connell said Monday.

The Floyd family had a birthday party at the house Sunday at noon. The fire was reported three hours later.

Connell said the wood-frame house is a total loss.

“If you’re going to use your fireplace and chimney, have it inspected yearly by a professional,” Connell said. “In older homes, mortar gets weak and falls out.”

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820