Thomas Crete Shinta

Thomas Crete Shinta died at age 58 on November 27th in Gainesville, GA.  Born in Charleston, S.C. where he spent the first 10 years of his life, he was an avid sports fan and played basketball, baseball and football during those years.  After moving to Columbia, S.C., then to North Carolina, and then to Athens, Georgia, he concentrated more on academics.

Crete served 4 years in the Air Force stationed at Great Falls, Montana. He returned home to his family in Texas and started college at Kilgore College, transferring to San Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, earning a B.S. In Criminology.

Crete was employed as a machine operator for Getrag Gears of N.A., managed a family owned limo service and finally passed numerous exams to work as a wastewater plant operator for Clayton County Water Authority in Jonesboro, Georgia. 

He is survived by his son, Walker Thomas Shinta, PFC, US Army at Fort Huachuca, AZ; his mother, Leslie Kelly of Gainesville, GA; a sister, Chris Adams of McDonough, GA; a brother, Patrick Kelly (Danielle) of Williamson, GA and several nephews.

A private family service will be held later.

Memorial contributions may be made to his favorite charity, MERCY SHIPS, P.O. Box 1930, Garden Valley, TX  75771-9914, or a charity of your choice.