Thomas Milton Hontzas

Thomas "Tommy" Milton Hontzas, 79, a devoted family man and respected community leader, fell asleep in the Lord on December 11, 2023. He was born on June 4, 1944, in McComb, Mississippi, to the late John Kostandinos Hontzas (Tsitalia, Greece) and Doris Cutrer Hontzas (Osyka, Mississippi). The family later moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where Tommy would spend his life enriching the community he loved.

Tommy's educational journey began in the Jackson Public Schools and continued through to Provine High School, graduating in 1962. His pursuit of higher education led him to Millsaps College, where he earned a degree in Economics in 1966, followed by a Master’s Degree in Economics from Louisiana State University. This period marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for the LSU Tigers sports teams. At Millsaps, he was also an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and later attended the Stanford Executive Program in Palo Alto, California.

His professional career commenced in 1968 at Deposit Guaranty National Bank in their management program, culminating in his role as an Executive Vice President and member of the bank’s senior executive committee, from which he retired in 1997. Tommy's expertise in strategic planning, economic research, and mergers and acquisitions was highly regarded. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a franchisee owner of the Western Sizzlin Corporation from 1980 to 2003, earning the accolade of Franchisee of the Year in 1999. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Peoples Bank.

Tommy's life was deeply rooted in the Holy Trinity-Saint John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church, where he met and later married the love of his life, Ellen Anthony Tattis, on August 27, 1967. Their shared faith and commitment to the church saw them actively involved in various roles, including Tommy serving as Parish Council President and receiving the prestigious Wings of Archangel Michael award in 2013 with Ellen.

A man of community spirit, Tommy was instrumental in chairing the Mississippi Society to Prevent Blindness People of Vision Dinner for many years. This was a cause close to his heart due to his father’s failing eyesight, an affliction he would later share. His dedication to heritage and community was further demonstrated through his involvement with the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association (AHEPA), where he was honored as the AHEPAN of the Year in 1996.

Tommy cherished his time at Provine High School, leading him to organize numerous reunions and maintain lifelong friendships. His love for sports was evident in his role as the football team's manager and later as Commissioner of Northeast Jackson Youth Baseball League, supporting his son's athletic endeavors.

Tommy and Ellen generously endowed the Hontzas Family Scholarship in Economics and Finance at both LSU and Millsaps College, demonstrating their commitment to education and community development. Tommy's representation of Mississippi in the Forever LSU campaign further showcased his dedication to his alma mater.

In retirement, Tommy enjoyed his weekly luncheon clubs, Bible study groups, and time spent in Orange Beach, Alabama, and at his beloved Tsitalia Farm in Canton. A highlight of his later years was a family trip to Greece in 2018, celebrating his and Ellen's 50th wedding anniversary and reconnecting with his ancestral roots.

Above all, Tommy was a family man, immensely proud of his two children, John Thomas Hontzas and Anastasia Hontzas Seevers, and deeply devoted to his seven grandchildren and three great-grandsons, all of whom affectionately called him “Paddy.” His legacy is marked by his deep love for his family, his quick, dry wit, and his kind-hearted, generous nature. Whether he was fishing at the farm, attending a grandchild’s event, or planning his next meal, Tommy embraced life with enthusiasm and joy.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 56 years, Ellen Tattis Hontzas; his son John Thomas Hontzas (Lauren), daughter Anastasia Hontzas Seevers (Jim); grandchildren Jonathan Hontzas (Heather), William Hontzas, Ana Kelly Ingram (Elliott), Hutson Hontzas, Jay Seevers, John Seevers, and Alex Seevers; great-grandchildren John Timothy Hontzas, Ellis Hontzas, and Bennett Ingram; brother Connie Joe Hontzas (Auline); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and godchildren.

Visitation and Services: Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15th, from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home, with the Trisagion service following. The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church, 5725 Pear Orchard Road, Jackson, Mississippi, 39211. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the church's Sanctuary Capital Fund.