R.E. Tonkinson

March 6, 1934 - May 12, 2021

R.E. Tonkinson, a resident of Ormond Beach since 2002, returned to his heavenly home on 12 May 2021. He was born at home in Philadelphia, PA on 6 March 1934. He is survived by his children, Kristl Munson and Robert (Cameo); Carol Sloat, his devoted sweetheart; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Eileen Furhman Tonkinson, beloved wife; Virginia Cox Tonkinson, first wife and mother of his children; Gertrude Eells, mother; James F. Tonkinson, Jr., father; siblings Mary (Barlow), Jim, Jack and Irv; and son-in-law Richard Munson. RE received a Bachelor of Accounting Degree from Temple University in 1957 and began a life-long career as a Certified Public Accountant. He was drafted in 1957 and served in Germany with the 3rd Infantry Division, after which he returned to public and then corporate accounting roles. He started his own firm in the 1980’s and filed his last return for a client on the Saturday before he died. RE was a devoted life-long learner. He earned a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Widner University in 1982, his realtors license in 2011 and his real estate broker’s certificate in 2012. He regularly attended continuing education to maintain all his certifications. Other than his family and food, RE’s great love was flying. He earned his private pilot license in 1973, and continued until he achieved his multi-engine instructor rating in 1991. He instructed for many years and logged over 7000 hours. Flying led him to service in the Civil Air Patrol, where he held the rank of Lt. Col, and to Angel Flights. He also provided devoted service to the Moose and the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House of AdventHealth Hospice, to the staff of which the family expresses sincere appreciation for their loving care.