Thomas Francis McGarey JR.

Thomas Francis McGarey JR., 61 went home to be with Jesus on Saturday January 2, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by always smiling and living life to the fullest, as Tom did his whole life.

Tom was born in Evanston, Illinois to Thomas Francis McGarey SR. and Loraine Ann Harrison. As a young child his family relocated to Atlanta and settled eventually in Cumming, Georgia where he spent most of his life. After High school Tom enlisted in the Marines. Once he got out of the service, he spent his life doing what he found a love for and his ultimate purpose and calling here on earth and that was craftsmanship, through building homes and renovations all throughout the southeast winning countless awards. There was nothing Tom could not build, and he was always willing to help anyone in need.

His biggest accomplishment, success story, and blessing was without a doubt his daughter Darcy and he made sure the whole world knew it. If you knew Tom, you knew he had a need for speed his whole life, from a young age, racing cars, to his adult life riding his Harley and his beloved speed boat on the weekends at Lake Lanier. He enjoyed life in the fast lane any chance he got. He had a passion for cooking and anyone who was lucky enough to eat Tom’s creations, would agree, that the food was the best. Tom was happiest when he was at the beach, specifically Orange Beach, Alabama and he looked forward to his yearly trip there. Tom never had any worries when it came to life. That big smile was always on his face and a laugh that was contagious. He could have a dollar to his name and if you were in need, he would give it to you and the shirt off his back. His favorite “life” quote was, “it is what it is”! We will miss him every day until we see him again in heaven.

Tom is survived by his pride and joy daughter, Darcy Lynn McGarey Hardee and her husband Daulton Hardee. Tom also leaves behind a stepson, Trey Richardson, and his wife, Jennifer Richardson, along with their daughters Madelyn and Tolley. Additionally, his stepmother, Diane McGarey-Luce, and her husband, Denny Luce, and a stepfather, George Marchbanks, along with his 3 siblings, Glenn McGarey (Suzi), Elizabeth McGarey (Rick), and Patrick McGarey. As well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family along with his girlfriend Heather Sparwath. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Francis McGarey SR., and Loraine Ann Harrison. He also had many friends that were family to him, and he loved them deeply.

His daughter and family would like to thank Northeast Georgia Hospice for their loving and kind care in Tom’s final months here on earth, they were a blessing. We would also like to thank everyone for their phone calls, texts and most importantly their prayers, we will forever be grateful for all the love, support, and prayers.  

“…Behold, I am with you always…” Matthew 28:20