Tom McLaughlin

Thomas "Tom" Wynne McLaughlin, 71, of LaGrange, Georgia, known as "Buddha" by his friends, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016, surrounded by his North Georgia College classmates, all graduates of the military program there in the 1960s. These NGC alumni, members of the KHAKI Klub, were participating in an annual Veterans Day celebration at Hard Labor Creek that Tom referred to as a reunion, although a Khaki Club "reunion" took place multiple times yearly.

Tom was born in LaGrange on May 27, 1945, son of the late Benjamin Franklin McLaughlin, Junior, and the late Marguerite Wynne McLaughlin, both of LaGrange. Upon graduating from LaGrange High School, Tom McLaughlin attended North Georgia College (NGC), a small essential military school in Dahlonega, Georgia, successfully participating in the ROTC program. Upon graduation in 1968, he was commissioned into the US Army as an Infantry Lieutenant. After attending the Infantry Officer Basic Course and the US Army Ranger School, Tom was assigned to Ft Campbell, Kentucky. His next assignment was combat duty in the Republic of Vietnam, serving as an advisor to an ARVN Ranger Battalion. This put him in harm’s way, participating in combat operations with the highly regarded Vietnamese Rangers. During his Vietnam assignment, Tom gained valuable combat operations experience which was put to excellent use when he was assigned as a Captain to the 3rd Ranger Battalion at the US Army Ranger School’s Florida Ranger Camp. There he served as an instructor in the arduous “swamp phase," training young officers and enlisted men headed for combat in Vietnam. This school has been called "toughest combat course in the United States” and " the most physically and mentally demanding leadership school the Army has to offer." Young soldiers attending the Ranger School during Tom’s assignment benefited from his combat leadership skills gained at NGC and his Vietnam combat experience. Among the awards and decorations Tom accumulated during his military service were a Combat Infantry Badge, a Ranger Tab, three Bronze Starts, and an Air Medal. Tom remained an avid supporter of NGC’s military program and the US Army after leaving the service.

After completing his military duty, Tom was employed by Milliken from 1971 to 1981. In 1982, Tom purchased Waid Tire Service, which he owned until his recent retirement. He attended LaGrange First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Maranatha Sunday School class.

Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon Dodgen McLaughlin; son and best friend Thomas Rex McLaughlin; daughter April McLaughlin Box (Brad); son Major Bryant McLaughlin; grandchildren Beau Dodgen Box and Claxton Mills Box; his mother-in-law Martha Potate Dodgen; special friends Gina Spradlin, Steven Cleckley and Joe Tigner from Waid Tire Service and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Benjamin Franklin McLaughlin, III and his father in law Ambrous Mac Dodgen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's honor to the Down Syndrome Foundation, 17186 Daniel Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55346.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636