Thomas John "T.J." Santerfeit, Sr., of Day, FL. passed away at his home on June 4, 2022 following an illness of some time.

Bro. T.J. was best known for his time and dedication as pastor of a number of churches in North Florida. He gave of his time willingly and had the heart of a full-time pastor but was called by most churches as a bi-vocational pastor as he worked full time at Gilman Paper Company. His was a ministry of partnerships. His first partnership was one with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ leading the way, followed closely with his second partner, his faithful wife who kept the pace with him, supported his ministry whole-heartedly, prayed for him daily and was by his side each step of the way. Following his retirement from Gilman, T.J. worked part-time with Daniels Funeral Home, Beggs Funeral Home and Burns Funeral Home.

T.J. was born on October 25, 1932 in Lafayette County (at home) to the late Dee Council and Zora Mae Hurst Santerfeit. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1950.  He was predeceased by his parents and his only brother Raymond Santerfeit.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Martha Dees Santerfeit; his two daughters and sons-in-law, Martha Lynn and Ty Smith of Day, FL. and Laurie Ann and Ron Rice of Perry, FL.; his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas John Santerfeit, Jr. and his wife Dana of Merritt Island, FL.; ten grandchildren, sixteen grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at Brewer Lake Baptist Church in Day, FL. with interment following at Day Cemetery.

Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, FL. was in charge of arrangements.