Thomas LaVerne Sells Sr. of East Tawas passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 with his loving family by his side at Tendercare Nursing Home in Tawas City, age 82 years. Thomas was born on Feb. 5, 1930 in Saginaw to George and Harriet (Johnson) Sells. He was employed by General Motors Corporation in Saginaw where he retired after many years of work. Thomas also owned and operated Willi's Restaurant for many years. Those who knew and loved him will always remember how he truly enjoyed playing the guitar, reading the Bible, watching John Wayne movies, gardening, hunting and fishing and working on cars. Thomas also really enjoyed teaching and playing fast pitch softball to his daughter, Ann "Pebbles." He married his wife, Wilma C. Sells on April 14, 1951. Together, they celebrated 43 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on Nov. 5, 1995. He is also preceded in death by a son, John Sells in 1977; a grandson, John Sells in 2003; nine sisters and five brothers. Thomas is survived by his four loving children, Ann (Earl) Colburn of East Tawas, Cindy (Doug) Blackmun of Standish, Dawn (Chuck) Miller of Whittemore and Thomas (Deb) Sells Jr. of Bridgeport; seven grandchildren, Doug Blackmun II, April Miller, John Miller, Charles Miller II, Thomas Sells III, Holly Colburn and Abby Colburn; eight great grandchildren, Dylan, Troy, Dakota, Elizabeth, Maximus, Zachery, Izaiah and Christian; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Thomas fought a long battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia for many years and most recently battled with several strokes. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. His family will welcome friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral in Greenwood Cemetery in East Tawas. Those wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Parkinson's Foundation. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.