Thomas "Tommy" Emory Colston

Thomas Emory Colston (Tommy) was born September 21,1959 to Jimmy Lanier Colston and Virginia Whitfield Smith in Swainsboro, Ga. He came into this world early on his own terms, lived his life on his own terms, and left this world on his own terms on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Tommy was raised in Macon, Ga and graduated from Southwest High School in 1977. After graduating he embarked on a myriad of different careers in different locations. He was not afraid of change and saw it as a new opportunity and adventure. In the early years he worked as an Organizational Development Consultant and lived in Maine and Minnesota. Next was Managing AMC Theatres in Florida and Georgia, which landed him in Buckhead. There, he had two “favorite jobs”, working for artist, Myott Williams at Myott Studios and being the Owner/Operator of Tom’s Pet Care for 25 years. These two jobs filled his most passionate loves – art and dogs.

As a young boy, Tommy had a voracious appetite for reading and loved all types of books. He truly believed that reading was a ticket to everywhere and a way to live a thousand lives instead of just one. He loved movies of all types and theatre performances often volunteering his time to small theatrical productions. You could name any movie, and he could tell you the cast, when it was made, and quote the best lines of movie. He carried the same appetite for music as well collecting everything from 40’s jazz to the B52’s. One of his fondest memories was traveling to Las Vegas in 2023 when The Sphere opened to see Bono and U2.

Tommy was kind, quick witted, fun, full of compassion and empathy for others, always willing to help others no matter the personal cost to himself, and he always stayed true to himself and his beliefs. He carried on the Colston trait of being stubborn and hardheaded. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Tommy is survived by his brother, Wendell B. Colston (Sandra), nephews, Wesley Colston (Elise) and Clayton Colston, nieces, Grace Ann Johnson (Levi) and Alexis Gore. He is also survived by one Aunt, Brenda Bryant and a multitude of cousins.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy L. Colston and Virginia W Smith, Stepmother, JoAnn Colston, and brother, Chad Colston.

During the last year Tommy fought his cancer battle with courage, bravery, and strength. He was surrounded by family and dear friends who were right by his side during this entire journey. He was so grateful for his brother Wendell and sister-in-law, Sandi, his cousins Pam and David Mitchem, Donna Ellis, and friends, Ernie Whitley, Dean Kitchens, Patty Welton, Bob Preston, and Denver Pickard. It truly takes a village, and Tommy knew how much he was loved. Also, grateful for the staff at Traditions Hospice, especially Jennifer, Meghan, Nene, and Chaplain Brad for all the at home care and Pine Pointe Hospice for their exceptional care.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, do something nice for someone just like Tommy would.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s @ Macon Memorial Park has charge of the arrangements.