Thomas Ray Gossett, of Rockford departed this earthly life      . He was born December 25, 1950 in Camden, Arkansas the son of Thomas and Gertrude Gossett. Thomas lived in Rockford since 1970 coming from Camden. He married the former Sybil Fisk, she preceded him in death. Thomas was employed as a fork lift operator by Weyerhaeuser (International Paper)  over 30 years before retiring. He graduated from Stephens High School and attended Henderson State and the Art Institute in Chicago.

Thomas leaves to cherish many loving memories, his daughter, Lucretia Brown; four sisters, Janice Dexter-Reed, Belinda Flowers, Beverly (Kenneth) Brown and Brenda Flowers; nephew, Rashaad Dexter and niece McKenzie Brown; a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas Gossett and Gertrude Flowers; and step father, Cartheu Flowers; wife Sybil Gossett; sister Charlene Gossett and step brother, O'leary Flowers.

Memorial Service 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. Doors will be open from 12:00 noon until the time of service.