Staff Sgt. T. J. Loftis

Staff Sgt. T. J. Loftis, age 34, of Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, passed away Monday, February, 29, 2016 at his residence.  Born June 28, 1981 in Tyler, Texas, T. J., known for his remarkable smile, was an avid fisherman and hiker.  He enjoyed hiking and admiring the beauty of the Linville Gorge every opportunity he had.  Staff Sgt. Loftis was a veteran of the United States Army where he proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division and had been deployed for four tours of duty. 

T.J. is survived by his parents, Joseph and Christine Loftis; his fiancé, Feleasha Brewer; two sisters, Virginia Lee Loftis and Crystal Ann Loftis; four brothers, Joseph Mark Loftis, James Loftis, Michael Loftis (Trudy) and Tim Loftis (Janie). Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

A memorial service to celebrate the life of T. J. will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church in Marion with Rev. Brian Bird officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Staff Sgt. T. J. Loftis’s memory are asked to consider, First Free Will Baptist Church, 965 Baldwin Avenue, Marion, North Carolina 28752.