Dr. Thomas Jackson Lewis Sr.

Dr. Thomas Jackson Lewis, Sr. died at Southeast Georgia Health System August 16th at the age of 76. Tom was born in Dublin, Georgia, on December 26, 1940, the son of the late George W. Lewis, Sr. and Carolyn P. Russell. He graduated from Screven County High School and received four degrees from the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

Tom began his career in education as a middle school teacher in Augusta, Georgia. In 1963 he became the youngest school principal in the state of Georgia serving as a “teaching principal” for a four-teacher, first through eighth grade school in Rocky Ford, GA. He received a fellowship from UGA to study for his first graduate degree. After receiving a Masters in Counseling, he worked briefly for the Vocational Division of the State Department of Education directing work study and special needs programs at vocational/technical schools in Georgia. He also completed his education specialist degree with certification in two different areas, counseling and school administration.

He returned to public education as the director of one of the first Regional Education Services Centers (RESA) in Georgia, supervising a cadre of specialists who worked with schools in five rural counties. He moved to Bacon County, Georgia, in the early 1970’s to direct the education component of a Model Cities Program. Among the accomplishments of that program was the development of a public preschool program for three and four year olds that was full-day and free. Staff development constituted another vital element of the program. With the availability of on-site, college professors affiliated with Georgia Southern University who moved to Alma, it was possible for educators to work on and receive advanced degrees without incurring any costs.

Tom spent the remainder of his career in Glynn County. His first job was as Director of Public Information and Research. While in that job, he served as state president of the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA). He became Assistant Superintendent for Instruction for Glynn County schools in 1981, the job he held until his retirement. During his Glynn County tenure, he completed his doctorate at the University of Georgia and also received the Outstanding Educator Award for Curriculum and Instruction from the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders. During his service as Assistant Superintendent, he championed early childhood education and staff development, both of which he considered to be essential components of an effective educational system. As system contact person for accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), he developed a training session for Peer Review Team members which was adopted for use by educators from throughout the state. He was honored by SACS with the Dr. John M. Davis Distinguished Educational Achievement Award.

After his retirement from the Glynn County School System, he worked as an educational consultant, counselor for the Glynn County Night High School and as a regional director for the Communities in Schools Program- a national drop-out prevention initiative.

Tom loved the outdoors, enjoying both hunting and fishing. His family was a source of great joy and pride. He joined St. Simons United Methodist Church in 1974 when he moved to St. Simons. Over the years he served as member or chair of numerous boards and committees. He enjoyed a Men’s Life Group affiliated with the church and the Beacon Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his wife Pamela Parker Lewis; son Thomas J. Lewis, Jr. and wife Judy of Nashville, TN; David Parker Lewis and his wife Jennifer of St. Simons Island, GA; six grandchildren: T.J. Lewis of Seattle, WA, Robert Lewis and Matthew Lewis of Nashville and Parker Lewis, Will Lewis and Laura Anne Lewis of Saint Simons Island.

Other survivors include a sister Joanna R. Cason of Yulee, FL; a brother George W. Lewis, Jr. of Ponte Vedra, FL; stepsisters Barbara Dennis of Brunswick, GA and Betty Sieg of Deland, FL.; a stepbrother Clyde Sheffield of Deland, FL.

A memorial service will be held at St. Simons United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 19th at 11:00 with the Reverend Marcia Cochran officiating. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Simons United Methodist Church.