Columbus Attorney, Thomas Edward Tante IV, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Ed practiced law in Columbus for almost 50 years partnering with Joseph Powell in their firm Powell & Tante, Attorneys at Law. Ed was well known and respected for his successes representing clients with Social Security Disability claims.
Funeral Services including Masonic Rites will be held Monday, August 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA with The Reverend Dr. Timothy Graham officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at 1:00 pm at Striffler Hamby Mortuary. A Private Interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.
Ed was born on October 30, 1948 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Thomas Edward Tante III and Maxine Garrett Tante. He grew up in Manchester, GA, graduating from Talbot County High School. Ed then attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for a short time. Following his time at West Point, he attended the University of Georgia for undergraduate and law school. He was a diehard Bulldog fan! After graduating from law school, Ed moved to Columbus to practice law.
Masonic service was a major part of Ed’s life for over 50 years. He was very active in numerous Masonic fraternal organizations. Ed was a member of Columbian Lodge No. 7, where he served as Master of the Lodge. He also served on the General Welfare Committee of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Ed was a 33 Degree Honorary Inspector General of the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, serving in various capacities within the organization. He was a member of the York Rite, Darley Chapter No. 7, Royal Arch Masons, Hope Council No. OH4, Royal and Select Masters, and St. Aldemar Commandery No. 3 Knight Templar. His further service included being a charter member of River City Council No. 526, Muscogee Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Chattahoochee York Rite College, Al Sihah Shrine Temple, and Ft. Benning Shrine Club. His other memberships include the Georgia State Bar and the Chattahoochee River Club.
Ed was an avid hobbyist and collector. His extensive collections include coins, stamps, and N gauge trains. He was also a lifelong Beatles fan and collector. He knew every fact pertaining to them, particularly John Lennon. He would gladly share all those facts and trivia with you.
Ed is survived by his wife, Berkley; his daughter, Garrett Burns (Shaun); his sons Tommy (Turena) and Michael (Shannon); his stepson Justin Pierson (Rudi); his grandchildren Lori (Rodney), Breanna, Tommy, Ben, Gavin, Madison, and Katherine; his step grandchildren, Ireland and Harrison Cavanaugh; his two sisters, Laverne Tante Knowles (Joe) and Cheryl A Tante; three nieces; one grandniece; and one grandnephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Masonic Home of Georgia, 1417 Nottingham Dr., Macon, GA 31211 or to the charity of your choice.
