Thomas Steven Kona

Thomas S. Kona, lovingly known as Tom, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026 in Greensboro, NC. Tom was born at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA on January 27, 1955 to Stephen G. Kona and Drusilla Kona. Tom was the fourth born of five sons.

He was a loving and devoted father to one daughter and an attentive grandfather to four grandchildren. He was a caring and loyal friend who was always willing to help and go out if his way for others.

Tom was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL since 1999. He volunteered in various ministries there throughout the years.

First Class Petty Officer, Thomas Kona, proudly served his country as a Parachute Rigger in the United States Navy. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal during his 23 years of service. He was honorably discharged in May of 1999.

After retiring from the military, he received his degree in Health Care Administration. He then became a full time caregiver for his mother for ten years.

Recent volunteer work includes FL Disaster Relief, Baptists on a Mission and Christian Surfers. Tom was an avid surfer from a young age and always enjoyed being in and around the ocean. He had a heart to reach the surfing community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Drusilla Kona. He is survived by his only daughter, Stephanie, son in law David, four grandchildren, four brothers and nieces and nephews.

A service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. A visitation will begin at 9:30am followed by a service and burial, which will take place at 2pm at the Jacksonville Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, his daughter requests donations be made to christiansurfers.com under the Local Chapter tab 'Tom Kona Memorial Fund.'