Thomas "Tommy" Franklin Deems

Thomas “Tommy” Franklin Deems was born on April 19, 1947, in Aragon, Georgia, to Franklin René Deems and Sarah May (Fitzpatrick) Deems. He passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026 after a lengthy battle with dementia.

A proud member of the Pepperell High School Class of 1965, Tommy went on to graduate from Shorter College in 1969. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan Clark Deems; brother Danny Deems (Tamara), sister Kathy Carver (the late Howard Carver), his daughter, Tanya Deems Hyman (Andy); son, Bryan Thomas Deems (Marla); grandchildren, Baylee Deems, Tatum Deems, and Paul Hyman as well as nieces and nephews Katie Jones (Ben), Carter Deems, Jennifer Breeden (Jeff) and John King.

Tommy built a distinguished career in the industrial minerals industry. He began his professional journey with Thompson-Weinman in Cartersville in the early 1970s and ultimately retired in 2020 as President of New Riverside Ochre. Throughout his career, he served in numerous executive and leadership roles within industrial minerals companies and the Georgia Mining Association. His work took him around the world, including travel to Germany, Austria, England, and China.

Faith and service were central to Tommy’s life. He served in a variety of leadership, advisory, and officer positions at the Church at Liberty Square (formerly Cartersville Church of God) and New Beginnings Church. He played an instrumental role in the planning and construction of church facilities and helped establish ministries that served the community, including the Bus Ministry. He was also a member of the Rotary Club for many years.

Outside of work and ministry, Tommy enjoyed spending time outdoors and participating in sports. Over the years, he played football, basketball, softball, and tennis, and later embraced CrossFit and golf, which became his favorite pastime. One of the highlights of his golfing life was having the opportunity to play several rounds at Augusta National Golf Club. In his later years, he especially enjoyed the friendship, camaraderie, and competition of Saturday morning golf with the “old men” at Cartersville Country Club.

More than any accomplishment, Tommy treasured time with his family. One of his greatest joys was being with his grandchildren. Family vacations to Walt Disney World became treasured traditions, and he was always ready to take the next trip. He was immensely proud of Baylee, Tatum, and Paul and took great satisfaction in watching them grow into the remarkable adults they have become.

Tommy will be remembered for his faith, leadership, kindness, generosity, and devotion to family. He touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of service, friendship, and love.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

May his memory be a blessing.

Friends and family are cordially invited to a receiving of friends on October 4th, 2026 from three o'clock until six o'clock in the evening at Owen Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on October 5th, 2026 at three o'clock in the evening at Liberty Square Church. Mr. Deems will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Providence Cemetery.