Thomas Jackson Durrett, III, passed away on November 18, 2016. He was born in Atlanta in 1936, but spent his later childhood in Tate, GA, graduating as valedictorian from Tate High School in 1955.
Tom had a lifelong love of sports – whether as an active participant or a spectator, playing basketball at Tate High. He followed the Atlanta Crackers early on, and later the Braves. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was the pitcher in many of his church’s softball league games.
He served as a Specialist Fourth Class in the US Army from 1959-1962, including one year spent in South Korea. In 1963, he received a BS degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech. He was an ardent fan of Tech football and basketball his whole life.
Vocationally, he was a bank branch manager for Atlanta Federal and later Georgia Federal. He also worked as an office services manager for Rosser International. He was employed as a tax preparer for H & R Block for 33 years.
One of Tom’s greatest passions was his love for God and his active participation in church. At various times, he served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and on numerous committees. He especially loved singing in the choir.
Tom is survived by his former wife and caregiver, Barbara C. Durrett, daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and Robert Purser, daughter Alyson FitzGerald, and grandchildren, Jordan, Olivia and Trevor Purser, and Adrienne and Clark FitzGerald, and siblings, Richard Lamar Durrett (Barbara J.), Clarissa D Strickland, and Nan G Durrett. He was predeceased by his nephew, Richard Durrett (Kelly N.). Surviving nephew is Robert Durrett (Carolyn H.) and a niece Courtenay Strickland. He is also survived by many other nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews.
Tom will be remembered by his family and friends as having a strong sense of integrity, dependability, responsibility, and as one ever ready to “step up to the plate” when needed.
The family expresses their deep appreciation to the Buford Brookdale Assisted Living family for their excellent care and friendships over the past few years.
A service celebrating his life will be held in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Gainesville, GA, on Monday, November 21 at 2:00 PM. A short time of visitation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the music ministry of First Baptist at 751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
