Thomas Lafayette Gooch

A native of Abbeville, LA, Tom attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received his bachelor’s degree in math, prior to pursuing graduate studies at the University of Georgia, where he performed duties as a graduate instructor of math. Tom met his wife, Susie, during graduate school at the University of Georgia and they married in 1970 in Athens, GA.

Tom pursued his passion of teaching young adults and served as a professor of math and computer science at Kennesaw State University for 33 years. He was also dedicated to the development and leadership of the youth in his community. He coached and mentored athletes in the local recreational football leagues. For nearly 20 years, Tom served as a coach within the Cartersville Little League program, most notably with the Crackers and the Tigers. Tom also served as a member of the Board for the Cartersville Little League program for many years. He went on to serve as District Administrator for almost two decades, acting as a liaison between the Little League Headquarters and local District 1, which also included many other responsibilities. In 2017, Cartersville Little League honored him by dedicating the Tom Gooch Administration Building in his name and recognized him as the first inductee into the Cartersville Little League Hall of Fame.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Yvonne and Jack Gooch; brother, Don Gooch; daughter, Holli Gooch. Survivors include his wife, Susie Gooch; son, Tom (Deborah) Gooch, Jr. of Watkinsville, GA; daughter, Emmie (Brennan) Bennett of Athens, GA; daughter, Betsy Gooch of Atlanta, GA; sons, Jake and Justin Gooch of Cartersville, GA; grandson, Zachary Griffith of Cartersville, GA; grandson, Dylan Gooch of Watkinsville, GA; granddaughter, Holli Bennett of Athens, GA; granddaughters, Audrey and Ava Moon of Watkinsville, GA; brothers, Jim (Sue) and Hollis (Pat) Gooch of Abbeville, LA; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A memorial service for family and friends for Tom is planned for Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 6:30pm at Owen Funeral Home in Cartersville, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Cartersville Little League program, P.O. Box 2541, Cartersville, GA 30120.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, GA has charge of the arrangements.