Thomas Albert Shanks Jr.

Thomas Albert Shanks Jr. was born in Nashville, TN on August 8,1949. Tom graduated from Isaac Litton High School in the class of 1967, as a nationally ranked debater. He earned a practical law degree from Vanderbilt University, along with an advanced law degree (LL.M.) in taxation.

While a student at Vanderbilt, he befriended the Dean of Law, John W. Wade. He made such a positive impression that the dean later welcomed him into his own family. On December 28, 1971, Tom married Dean Wade’s intelligent, beautiful daughter, Mary Wade. They remained lovingly married for the rest of his life, nearly 53 years.

He took pride in his work – a long and successful career overseeing trusts and estates at various banks, before retiring from SunTrust Bank as a First Vice President. He administered significant estates; his work with one wealthy family led to the expansion of the Cumberland Island National Seashore with the help of The Nature Conservancy.

Tom was an avid collector of many items, such as stamps, coins, and maps. He was best known for his collection of Coca-Cola Memorabilia. Tom also loved traveling all over the world with his family, including a journey up the US / Canadian coast to Alaska, a trip to France’s remote island St. Pierre, a visit to Norway’s arctic Svalbard Island, and a road trip around Iceland’s Ring Road.

He died peacefully in Atlanta, GA, on November 22, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Mary Wade Shanks; his son, Thomas A. Shanks III; his sister, Dotty Dady; and his nieces and nephews: John, Robert, and Martha.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00 am at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church.