Thomas Horning Death: It is with the heaviest of hearts that we come together to remember and honor the life of Thomas Horning of Tampa, Florida — a soul taken far too soon, and in a way that leaves behind deep sorrow, unanswered questions, and a space that no words can truly fill.
Thomas was many things to many people — a son, a friend, a neighbor, a colleague. To know him was to know someone whose kindness was often quiet but ever-present, whose humor could lighten the room, and whose thoughtfulness made those around him feel seen. He had a deep, introspective nature that made him special, someone who could sit in silence and still make you feel comforted just by being near.
While it is devastating to acknowledge the way Thomas left this world, we must also acknowledge the complexities of pain — the silent battles that some carry deep within, invisible to even those closest to them. Mental health, and the weight it places on a person, does not always reveal itself with clarity. Often, those who seem strong are the ones who carry the heaviest burdens. And too often, they carry them in silence.
Thomas Horning Tampa Florida Obituary: Florida Beloved Member Dies Of Suicide
We must not let the way he passed define his life. Thomas was so much more than that single moment. His story is one of quiet strength, of laughter shared over coffee, of kindness extended to others without expectation of return. It is a story of someone who, even in the midst of his own struggles, managed to touch lives, to offer compassion, and to leave behind memories that will not fade.
To his family — words cannot possibly heal the depth of your grief, but know that your son, your brother, your relative — was loved. He mattered. He made a difference in the lives of others, even if he did not always see that for himself. We hold you in our hearts during this unimaginable time, and we grieve alongside you.
To his friends and loved ones — let us not be consumed by guilt or regret, for these emotions, though understandable, are heavy to bear. Let us instead honor Thomas by carrying forward the love he gave us, the moments we shared, and the humanity he brought into the world. Let us speak his name often, keep his spirit alive in our stories, and let others know who he truly was — a good soul, a gentle heart, a beautiful life that mattered.
It is okay to mourn. It is okay to be angry. It is okay to feel lost. Grief has no rules and no timeline. But in this grief, let us also remember that there is help, that we are not alone, and that we must look out for each other — truly look, listen, and hold space for the things people may not always say out loud. If there is any lesson to take from this heartbreak, it is that kindness, empathy, and presence are never wasted.
We may never understand the depth of what Thomas was feeling, or why he reached the point he did. But we can choose to honor him not just in our sorrow, but in how we live moving forward. Let his memory be a reminder to reach out, to listen without judgment, to sit with those in pain, and to make space for every person’s story — especially the quiet ones.
Thomas deserved more time. He deserved healing. And though he is gone from this world, his impact remains. In every person who was touched by his presence, in every smile he offered, in every moment of connection — there, his spirit lives on.
To the community in Tampa, and beyond — let us rally around one another. Let us be gentle with each other. And let us work to create a world where mental health is no longer suffered in silence, where help is not hidden behind stigma, and where no one feels they have to walk through the darkness alone.
In closing, we say goodbye to Thomas Horning — but not to his memory. That, we carry with us. That, we honor with our actions and our love. As we mourn, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he lived, however short it was. Let us be thankful for the time we had with him, and let us never forget the light he brought into our lives.
Rest peacefully, Thomas. You are loved. You are missed. And you will not be forgotten.