Thomas Augustus Arrendale Jr., 83

McGahee-Griffin and Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia announces the death of Thomas Augustus Arrendale, Jr., age 83, of Clarkesville, who died Monday, November 3 at the Hospice of Atlanta following complications related to a head injury acquired May 22, 2003. A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville Thursday, November 6, 2003 at 4 P.M. The family will receive friends at a receptiion immediately following the memorial service.

Tom Arrendale leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Winifred Smith Arrendale; son, Thomas Augustus (Gus) Arrendale III; daughter, Cyndae Arrendale; grandson, Joseph Augustus (Gus) Bussey; sister, Nelle Arrendale; and aunt Willie Blalock Elliott. He was preceded in death by brothers, Sam, Howell Cobb, and William Lee Arrendale, and sisters, Mabel Arrendale Burns and Mary Arrendale Hale, as well as many descendants of his siblings.

Tom was born in Tiger, GA October 23, 1920, the son of the late Thomas Augustus (Gus) and Della Blalock Arrendale and grew up in rural Rabun County. He attended Clemson University after high school and transferred to Georgia Tech, but left after one year to serve his country in WWII as a captain in the Army Air Corps. When he returned from the Army in 1946, he and his brother Lee began selling animal feed and baby chickens to local farmers. The business grew and in 1962 Tom and Lee sold their business to the Ralston Purina Company. At that time they accepted management positions in Gainesville and Clarkesville respectively. In 1972 Purina decided to divest its poultry business. Tom and Lee along with Joe Hatfield, a Gainesville poultry man who had also sold to Purina in 1962, bought the business from Purina and Fieldale Farms Corporation was born. From this partnership Fieldale Farms has grown into the largest employer in both Habersham and Hall counties and is among the largest poultry companies in the world.

Tom served as chairman of the board for 41 years at the Habersham Bank, one of the largest state chartered banks in Georgia, and in 1968 he co-founded LP Service Inc. in Clarkesville with his brother Lee.

Tom was extremely actice in both the civic and charitable communities as well. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. He served on the Habersham Hospital Board for 12 years and as chairman for 3 years. He was past president of the Soque River Water Shed Association, Inc. He was a strong supporter of Piedmont College and received an honorary doctorate degree from the school in 1998. He also suported the University of Georgia and was a member of the Gridiron Society. He was a Master Mason of long standing with the Clarkesville Masonic Lodge #325 F&AM. Tom was the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1985 and also a recipient of the Sam Walton Community Leader Award, the Rotarian Paul Harris Award, and the Northeast Georgian Pacesetter Award. In 1991 House Resolution #761 was written in his honor and the Tom Arrendale Interchange on Highway 365 North was dedicated.

Tom will be interred in a private service at the family cemetery in Tiger, GA. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make a gift in Tom's honor to the Fieldale Farms Foundation, P.O. Box 558, Baldwin, GA 30511.