Thomas Jacob “T-Bird” Kern
Thomas Jacob “T-Bird” Kern
Thomas Jacob “T-Bird” Kern, of Grand Ridge, Florida, passed away on April 14, 2026. He was born on February 27, 1988, in Lake City, Florida, and lived a life marked by warmth, loyalty, and a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Thomas was a 2007 graduate of Sneads High School, where he began building the foundation for the hardworking and dependable man he would become. After high school, he went to work at Florida State Hospital, where he served for approximately 10 years. More recently, he worked at the Goodwill Store in Marianna, Florida, where he had spent the past year as assistant manager. In every role he held, Thomas was known for his strong work ethic, his friendly nature, and the respect he showed to others.
Outside of work, Thomas was best known for his love of professional wrestling and for proudly living out that passion as a professional wrestler known as “T-Bird.” Wrestling was more than a hobby to him. It was a part of who he was, and it brought him joy, purpose, and many meaningful friendships. He was an outgoing, happy, and respectful man who never met a stranger. His beautiful smile was often the first thing people remembered about him, and his presence had a way of making others feel welcome and at ease.
Thomas loved his family immensely, especially his precious children. He found great joy in spending time with Makenzie Lynn Kern, Maleena Marie Kern, and Jacob Malekai Loki Kern, and he cherished every opportunity to be with them. He especially enjoyed taking his children to the river to swim on the weekends, creating memories that will be treasured forever. He was a man who valued family above all else and took great pride in the relationships he built and nurtured over the years. He shared a loving bond with his fiancé, Lacy Skipper, and co-parented with the mother of his children, Sonia Maldonado. His family circle included his parents, James and Lynn Kern; his brother, Harry Dale Kern, III; his niece, Elliana Sanchez; his nephews, Bryson Sanchez and Landon Sanchez; his wrestling brothers; and many friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his great grandmother, Matha Walker, and by his grandparents, Ella Mae Walker, and Jake and Adetha Kern. Their memory remained an important part of his family heritage and the life he carried forward with pride.
Thomas enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life special to him. He loved gummie bears, watching a great horror movie, and celebrating Halloween, which was his favorite holiday. He also enjoyed attending many concerts over the years, where he could take in the music and the energy of the crowd. These interests reflected his fun-loving personality and the joy he found in the moments that brought people together.
Those who knew Thomas will remember a man who lived with heart, humor, and sincerity. He was the kind of person who made an ordinary day brighter simply by being himself. His legacy will live on in the love he gave, the friendships he formed, the family he adored, and the many lives he touched along the way.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “It is not length of life, but depth of life.” Thomas Kern lived deeply, loved fully, and will be remembered always with affection and gratitude by all who were blessed to know him.
A Funeral Service celebrating the life of Thomas will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM Central Time in the chapel of McAlpin Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until service time.
Flowers are welcomed by Thomas’ family, or if you prefer contributions in his memory to Goodwill Industries – Big Bend 300 Mabry Street Tallahassee, FL 32304