Tom was born on April 19. 1947, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Herbert Thomas Cartwright Sr. and Mary Helen Cartwright. He attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from LaGrange College in LaGrange, Georgia. Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing training at Fort Benning and serving in Uijeingbu, Korea.
Following his military service, Tom enjoyed a successful career in sales and wholesale marketing in the petroleum industry, where he formed many lasting friendships throughout the years.
Tom married Kathy Crowe Cartwright, and together they raised two sons, Joey and Christopher. They shared many wonderful years together until Kathy’s passing in 2000. Tom was later blessed to find love again with Carroll Elarbee Cartwright, gaining two stepsons, Will and Michael. Tom and Carroll shared many happy years together, enjoying the home and life they built, as well as their mutual love of traveling and cruising. Their bond was strong and special, and they stood faithfully by one another through life’s many joys and challenges.
Tom loved to garden, hunt, and spend time at the family mountain house in Waynesville, North Carolina. He found joy in the outdoors and treasured the peaceful moments spent with family in the mountains.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Helen Cartwright; his first wife, Kathy Cartwright; his youngest son, Christopher Cartwright, and his sister, Carol Cartwright Merrell.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carroll Cartwright; his brother Donald Cartwright (Tina); his sister Gail Rouen (Mike); his son, Joe Cartwright (Angela); his stepsons, Will Lanier and Michael Lanier; his granddaughter, Abby Cartwright; and his many beloved nieces and nephews, who lovingly knew him as Uncle Tommy.
Tom will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to his country, his lifelong friendships, and the love and joy he brought to those who knew him.
Graveside service will be held at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell, Georgia on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Jacksonville Human Society in Jacksonville, Florida, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
