James “Pete” Dezerne Jr.

Published 9:26 pm Saturday, April 24, 2010

James “Pete” Dezerne Jr., 84, of Tallahassee, Fla., a farmer, landscaper, and retired lineman with Centel, died Tuesday, April 20, 2010, in Moultrie, at his daughter’s residence.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, at Abbey-Riposta Funeral Home with interment at Tallahassee Memory Gardens.

Born Nov. 22, 1925, in Miami, Fla., he was the son of the late James Dezerne Sr. and Cora Belle Leverette Dezerne. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in Guam, and received many safety awards while working for 35 years at Centel. He and his wife were foster parents for many children in the state of Florida and the Children’s Home Society. His family was very important to him and he was loved by all, said his family.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, John “Robbie” Thompson, III, his foster family and four half-brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary L. Dezerne of Tallahassee, Fla.; daughters, Diane J. Grubbs of Tallahassee, Fla. and Donna Thompson of Moultrie; grandchildren, James D. “Jimmy” Grubbs, Mark J. Grubbs, John Robert “Bobbie” Thompson IV and James “Jamie” Derrick Thompson; great-grandchildren, Katie, Chase, twins Austin and Waylon Grubbs, Eva Grubbs, Jonathan “Little Man” Brackin and Lilah Jane Thompson; sister, Florence Gillespie of Attapulgus, Ga.; sister-in-law, Linda Bass of Shell Point, Fla.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Salvatore “Tut” and Gertie Borgioli of Manchester, Mass.; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., on Monday, April 26, at the funeral home.

Family will accept cards or suggests donations be made to the local food bank or a charity involving children.

Guests may sign the online register at www.abbeyripostafh.com and www.moultrieobserver.com.

Abbey-Riposta Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.