‘Tommy’ Tolbert

SNELLVILLE – Claude Thomas Tolbert, 79, died Friday, April 10, 2009, at Parkwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Snellville, following complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on June 10, 1929, he grew up in Maysville, Banks County. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946, and held many decorations, to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, four Army Commendation Medals, World War II Victory Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. He retired from the Army as Lieutenant Colonel. He was employed with the Atlanta Public Schools R.O.T.C. program, served as a State Representative from 1975 though 1992 in Georgia, and authored around 19 laws.

Survivors include his wife, Bessie Tolbert, Snellville; children, Tommy Tolbert Jr. and Kassandra Tolbert, Cindy and Gary Hetherington, Terri and Steve Bland, all of Snellville, Barbara Hawkins, Loganville, Ted Tolbert, Gainesville; stepsons, Larry Carter, Lake Martin, Ala., Johnny Carter, Suwanee, and Tommy Cook, Lawrenceville; grandchildren, Bryan and Tara Tolbert, Brooke Hetherington, Justin Tolbert, Summer and Savannah Bland, all of Snellville, Shaun and Ashley Hawkins, Loganville; and a sister, Beth Tolbert, Atlanta.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 14, at Wages Snellville Chapel. Burial was at Eternal Hills Memory Gardens.

Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel was in charge of arrangements.