Thomas (Tommy) Tait of Fayetteville, Georgia passed away peacefully at home at the age of 89 on May 28, 2023, surrounded by family. Tommy was born on December 8, 1933, in Deadwood, South Dakota to the late Robert and Viola Tait.
He attended Albert G. Parish High School in Selma, Alabama and graduated in 1951. After high school, he farmed with his uncle in Camden, Alabama where he met the love of his life, Sallie Harriet Espy. They married on July 8, 1955, and started their family.
He enlisted in the Navy from 1955 to 1959 and was stationed in the Philippians. After he was honorably discharged, he went back to Selma and worked for Stewart King and McKenzie wholesale grocery and started raising their family.
They had three sons, Michael Winston, Thomas Douglas, and Richard Bryan. In addition to their three sons, they also raised his brother and sister as he lost his parents at a young age.
In 1968, he moved to West Point, Mississippi and worked for Bryan Food. He lived there for 17 years, making lifelong friendships, and positively impacting his community.
From there, he moved to Fayetteville, Georgia and lived for 41 years. Tommy was a dedicated Christian, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was well loved and respected by his family and community.
Tommy had a kind soul and would give anything to anyone. He always volunteered at his church, Fayetteville First United Methodist. He was known for his uplifting and happy spirit and always knew how to put a smile on people’s faces. He enjoyed hiking, being outside, going to the beach and camping. One of his greatest loves other than his wife and sons were his four grandchildren and great granddaughter and his loving fur baby.
Tommy was preceded in death by his siblings, Roberta Ading (Tait), Jimmy Tait, and Margaret Adams (Tait), and his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Sallie “Hattie” Tait; sons, Michael (Dana) Tait, Doug (Robin) Tait, and Bryan (Mary) Tait; grandchildren, Ashley (Jason) Smith, Rachel (Corey) Ellis, Rusty (Macie) Tait, and Cadee Tait; great granddaughter, Carli Ellis; brother, Robert (Eilene) Tait; and his fur baby, Ruffy (aka doggie).
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Mowell Funeral Home, Fayetteville. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM (CST) on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Selma Funeral Home, 5171 AL-22, Valley Grande, AL 36701 with burial to follow at New Live Oak Cemetery, Selma, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, or Tunnel for Towers in Tommy’s name.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Gentiva Hospice and Visiting Angels.
We welcome you to provide your condolences, thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall.
Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fayetteville, www.mowells.com
