Tommy R Sommer

Tommy Russell “Tom” Sommer, 81, passed away surrounded by family at Northside Hospital on Monday, October 1, 2018. Born on July 28, 1937, in Decatur, Georgia, Tom was the son of Floyd and Etta Sommer.

He graduated from Decatur High School in 1955. Four years later, Tom married the love of his life, Linda Ward, also of Decatur. After earning his Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech in 1960, Tom served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an Officer with the 82nd Airborne Division (1960-1962) and then in the U.S. Army Reserves until retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon return from active military service, Tom began his career in management with Southern Bell/Bell South, where he worked until his retirement in 1993.

Through the years, Tom—along with his wife, Linda--has served the Lord in several church leadership positions at various churches, including many years at Landmark Church in Norcross, Georgia, and most recently Beth Hallel, a Messianic congregation in Roswell, Georgia, and Sandy Springs Community Church. The Sommers' service to the Lord has included mission trips to many countries and leading multiple tours to Israel. In fact, one of Tom's greatest joys came in 2017, when he and Linda took their children and grandchildren on a ten-day, Biblical pilgrimage tour of their beloved Israel.

Another great joy for Tom has been the establishment of Voice of the Sword, a ministry led by Linda and devoted to the building of God's kingdom. Similarly, since his retirement, Tom has happily devoted time and resources to an interdenominational Christian organization named CFO (Camps Farthest Out).

In addition to his wife of nearly 59 years, Tom is survived by three sons and nine grandchildren: Russell of Alpharetta, GA, (children: Tyler and Savannah and their mother, Marianne Vargas), Ron of Dothan, AL, (children: Paola, Julie, Ronnie, Ruthie, and Gemma and their mother, Mary Virginia), and Ray of Auburn, GA, (children: Sofi and Nate and their mother, Teri); a sister: Kathleen Massey; beloved exchange students: Vladimir Shlyakhov and Christina Feng; close family friend: Shelly Rappaport; several nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 4th, at 3PM at Temple Beth Hallel (950 Pine Grove Road; Roswell, GA 30075).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Voice of the Sword, Inc.(6716 Wright Road; Atlanta, GA 30328) www.voiceofthesword.com.