Mr. Thomas Joseph Schmedes, 74, passed away on April 19, 2015, peacefully at his home in Astatula, FL with his family by his side. He was born on Dec. 7, 1940 in Washington, DC. Tom worked 18 years as a Building Inspector for the City of St. Augustine, retired in 2000 and moved to Astatula, FL where he currently worked as a building Inspector for Lake County. He was a past President of the St. Augustine, Shrine Club.  He was the initiator and founder of the Great Chowder Debate.  Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Audrey Manucy Schmedes; Sister, Elizabeth S. Brown Davis; Daughter, Carol Schmedes Miller; Son, Joseph Roland Schmedes; Son, Wayne Thomas Schmedes; Grand Children, Cierra Nicole Schmedes: Kevin Michael Schmedes, Spencer Thomas Schmedes, Mia Sarra Schmedes, Thomas Fafercko Schmedes, Cody Fafercko Schmedes, Abagail Kay Schmedes, Thomas Charles Schmedes; Great Grand Children, Ryleigh Nicole Mills. Shannon Nagy, Mother to Thomas and Abigale Schmedes; Stacey Fafercko, Mother to Thomas and Cody Schmedes; Celita Lacey, Mother of Cierra and Kevin Schmedes; Jerry Miller, husband of 21 years to Carol S. Miller; Nancy Sarramia-Schmedes, Mother to Spencer and Mia Schmedes and Wife of 23 years to Wayne T. Schmedes. Tom was preceded in death by his Sister, Rita Schmedes; Sister, Patricia Schmedes and Son, Michael Thomas Schmedes. There will be visitation Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m., with prayers at 6 p.m. April 23, 2015, at Craig Funeral Home and a Funeral Service  Friday, April 24, 2015, at 11 a.m., at Craig Funeral Home followed by burial at San Lorenzo Cemetery.  Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park (www.craigfuneralhiome.com) is in charge of arrangements.