Thomas Freeman (Tommy) Sewell, Sr., 90, of Winston, GA, formerly of Whitwell, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 17 at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, GA.
He was a native of Newnan, GA, first of four sons born to the late Hazel Herrin and Glover Byram Sewell, Sr. He graduated from Newnan High School in 1952 and in 1956 married Annette Perry Sewell.
He served in the Navy, stationed in Norfolk, VA, spending some of that time in Iceland as a naval aviation radio operator. After his service, Tommy and Annette returned to Newnan to raise their family.
Over their 66 years of marriage, Tommy and Annette had four children, Thomas “Butch” (Jane) Freeman Sewell, Jr. of Villa Rica, GA, Sandy (Wade) Dodson of Pikeville, Susan (Michael) Crouse of Canton, GA, and Bill (Mistonya) Sewell of Sharpsburg, GA. They were the proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Edna Sewell, June Sewell Eiland, and Babe Perry; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Preceding him in death, in addition to Annette and his parents, were his brothers Glover Byram Sewell, Jr., Richard Herrin Sewell, and Joe Edison Sewell; brother-in-law Hugh David Perry, Jr.; sister-in-law Josephine “Jo” Sewell; daughters-in-law Tammy Thacker Sewell and Kathy Roberts Sewell; father and mother-in-law Hugh David and Sara Ingram Perry.
Tommy loved hunting, fishing, Braves baseball and Tennessee football. He was a marksman, often busting 100 out of 100 skeet. He was a certified skeet instructor and worked the skeet range at the 1996 Olympics. He taught Hunters Education for many years, being recognized by the TWRA as an instructor of the year.
He was an entrepreneur operating Sewell Graphic Services, Woods and Waters Sporting Goods, and Tommy’s Gun Repair.
The creases in his calloused hands were stained with years of working on printing presses. He could do it all and was known for his commitment to his customers and employers. He believed a handshake was better than a written contract.
Tommy’s greatest legacy is his love and service to God, making sure his children loved and served the Lord. He was as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Douglasville for many years. Tommy loved singing for the Lord, just as his mother Hazel did.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, November 2, at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, Newnan, GA at 2 p.m. EST. Visitation is from noon to 2 p.m.
McKoon Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.
The Marion Tribune – October 24, 2024