Thomas "Tom" Holbrook Jr. 's Obituary
Thomas H. Holbrook, Jr., age 72, died at his home of a sudden heart attack in the afternoon of September 24, 2019. He is survived by his wife Esther, his brother Lawrence Holbrook, his sister Nancy Megley, nieces, nephews, and many friends who love him very much.
Tom was born May 15, 1947 in Athens, GA to Thomas Sr. and Vivian Holbrook. He was an Air Force brat and for most of his childhood years, Tom lived in air bases around the world, including Clark Air Base in the Philippines where he spent his high school years. He was an avid Boy Scout and talked for years about a weeklong camping trip that his troop and a Filipino scout troop took together in Mindanao. He earned his Eagle Scout badge around that time.
Following in his father’s military footsteps, Tom joined the Navy and served his country honorably. Tom was a veteran sailor of the Vietnam War onboard the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Hancock. The discipline and patriotism he learned as a sailor never left him, as friends and family will attest.
After serving in the military, he received his college degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and had a long and successful career in Environmental Engineering.
Tom loved the outdoors and went fishing whenever he found time. He also loved vegetable farming, hiking, camping, and, above all, being a Pathfinder Master Guide. He loved his Pathfinder Club at Lakeview so much that he wouldn't miss outings for anything. Tom had an insatiable desire for Filipino food and, by divine providence, Esther found an exclusive path to satisfy his cravings.
Tom was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and served the church in many capacities including Head Deacon, Elder, Sabbath School Teacher, Food Pantry Volunteer, Pathfinder Master Guide, Vacation Bible School Volunteer, Assistant Treasurer, Building Committee Member, Finance Committee Member, and Church Board Member. His unwavering passion to put others over self touched countless lives.
Tom loved the Lord and is awaiting in his sleep for his Redeemer’s soon return.
The family will receive friends at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home on Thursday, October 3, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 5, 4:30 PM at Lakeview Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4001 Macedonia Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127. Interment will occur at Georgia National Cemetery.
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