Thomas Davis Packard

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 2:00 PM at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home in Brunswick, Georgia. He will be buried with his father at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Tommy was preceded in death by his mother, Florence “Flo” Packard Anderson, and his father, Thomas Davis Packard, Sr.

Born on August 12, 1967, in Laconia, New Hampshire, Tommy moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia at the age of 7 when his father became General Manager of The King and Prince Resort. He spent his childhood exploring the island—riding bikes, fishing, building forts, and forming lifelong friendships. These early years remained among his most cherished memories.

Tommy also developed a love of cooking and hospitality at a young age, inspired by his mother Flo, who worked in several restaurants, including as a chef at the Emmeline and Hessie Restaurant. This passion would shape the course of his life and career.

He attended YMCA Camp Belknap in New Hampshire, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. What began as summers spent as a camper grew into years as a counselor, and a lifelong love for the camp experience. Tommy later passed this tradition on to his children, who attended both Camp Belknap and Camp Huckins.

Tommy attended the University of Georgia, where he initially studied political science and met his future wife, Anne. During the spring of his senior year, he was involved in a serious car accident that left him paralyzed. He spent an extended period at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination. Not only did he survive, but he went on to regain a remarkable level of independence, forming lifelong friendships along the way. Throughout this time, Anne remained by his side, and their relationship endured.

Following his rehabilitation, Tommy completed his education at Georgia State University, pursuing a degree in restaurant and hospitality management. He went on to fulfill his dream of owning his own restaurant.

Tommy and Anne were married and raised three children: Thomas Davis Packard III (Davis), Lillian Provost Packard (Lily), and Alexander McCray Packard (Alex). His greatest joy in life was being a father. He was a constant presence—filming basketball games, crew chiefing at go kart races, planning family trips to Disney World, and sitting proudly in the front row at dance recitals.

He is survived by his children, Davis (Sarah) Packard, Lily Packard, and Alex Packard; his siblings, Helen (Dan) Moore and Charlie (Laura) Packard; and his stepfather, Michael Anderson.

Tommy was a beloved member of the community, known as the owner of the 4th of May Café and Deli and as the longtime announcer for Glynn Academy football games. He will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, deep love for his family and friends, his New England roots, his loyalty to Patriots football, and his enduring connection to St. Simons Island.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shepherd’s Center, Atlanta, GA or YMCA Camp Belknap in Wolfeboro, NH.

https://campbelknap.org/giving/

https://shepherd.org/support-us/