Dr. Thomas Sumner Harrison

Thomas Sumner Harrison, age 78, of Brookhaven, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 in Dunwoody, GA. Tom was born on July 7, 1947 in Roswell, New Mexico, the only child of Thomas Hillary Harrison and Louise Sumner Harrison. Tom was one of the early graduates of the University of New Mexico dual degree program, earning an M.D. and a Ph.D. While in school he worked as a co-op student for NASA on the Apollo Mission to the moon.

He moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to complete his medical residency at Emory University School of Medicine. Upon completion of his residency, Tom began his career in Emergency Medicine. It was during this time that he met and married his wife, Regina McHugh, who was a nurse at the Veteran's Administration Hospital. They were married on April 27, 1985, in Decatur, GA. Tom worked as an ER physician at Saint Joseph's Hospital for over 20 years before taking a medical retirement. After retiring from St. Joseph's Hospital he taught high school science (astronomy, physics, anatomy and physiology) at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Academy.

Tom always had multiple interests ranging from golf, reading books, especially history books of the Civil War era, playing war games and using his telescopes to view the astronomical sites in the night sky. He was a life-long learner and always fascinated with new technology and discoveries.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Louise Harrison.

All Tom's friends are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering to share stories and memories on Sunday, August 10, 2025 beginning at 3:00 pm at H.M. Patterson & Son – Oglethorpe Hill, with Andrew Bradley of Church of The Apostles officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Planetary Society or a charity of your choice.

The family of Tom Harrison wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of St. Joseph’s Hospital, the staff of Sandy Springs Center for Nursing and Healing, Brighton Gardens of Dunwoody and Sympathy Hospice.