Thomas Vernon Cartwright

Thomas Vernon "Papa Tommy" Cartwright, 87, of McRae, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his residence on March 10, 2026. Born on December 12, 1938, in the town he would call home his entire life, Tommy lived with a deep faithfulness to Christ, a steadfast devotion to his family, and a genuine love for the land he tended. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he embodied hard work, generosity, and quiet strength throughout his days.

The son of the late Ellis McDavid Cartwright and Latha Thomas Cartwright, Tommy learned early the value of diligent labor, time spent with loved ones, and responsible care of the land and animals. As a young man, he played basketball at Workmore High School, enjoyed fishing, and shared lighthearted adventures and pranks with his cousins, brother, and friends. After high school, he moved to the metro Atlanta area to work for AT&T, where he met his future wife, Barbara Joan Dempsey, in Conyers. The couple married and returned to Telfair County, where Tommy began caring for the family farm while continuing his career with AT&T-Southern Bell until his retirement. Though he retired from the company, he never retired from farming, continuing to plant crops and raise animals with joy until his final days.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Joan Dempsey Cartwright, as well as his parents and siblings Clarice Batchelor, Ronelda Screws, and Mack Cartwright, Tommy is survived by his children: Cathy Cartwright Goddard (Tim) of Newnan, Michael Cartwright (Tammi) of Hahira, Julie Cartwright Hunt (Craig) of McRae, and David Cartwright (Emily) of McRae. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Amy Goddard, John Goddard, Michael Cartwright, Jr., Peter Cartwright, Rebeka Cartwright, Mackenzie Hunt, Madelyn Cartwright, Jackson Cartwright, and Nora Cartwright, who will carry forward his example of hard work, integrity, and placing faith first. He is also survived by his sister, Vivian Cooper of Dublin, several nieces and nephews, and his close friend and cousin, Charles Purvis, with whom he shared countless stories and adventures.

Tommy found deep fulfillment in studying his Bible, mentoring others, and teaching at his local church. A skilled builder, he constructed homes and helped establish new places of worship in the communities where he lived. He cherished time in nature as an avid fisherman and hunter, especially with his grandchildren, and took great pleasure in caring for his animals, tinkering with machinery on his beloved old Deutz tractor, and sharing meals with family and friends. Known for his warm spirit, he easily made friends with neighbors and strangers alike. Tommy will be remembered as a man of strong faith, remarkable generosity, and quiet wisdom whose influence continues in the lives of all who knew and loved him.