Please accept my condolences on Tom's passing  I was sad to read of it in the Georgia Tech alumni magazine. Although we were out of touch for too many years, thinking of Tom brings back many pleasant memories of growing up in Naples, including enjoying the chocolate-topped ice cream cones from the Morton's DQ.

Dear Marti, Thomas and Amanda:

I was so saddened to hear of Tom's passing.  I truly loved Tom as a friend, confidant, compadre, and I always respected his perspective on whatever we discussed: Tech sports, Atlanta city politics, Georgia state politics, Tech sports, national politics…everyday issues that showed up in the news; did I mention Tech sports?  Tom always had that level headed, engineering- type, well thought out point of view on all issues.  And of course with that unique twist that was Tom's never ending sense of humor.  While at the other end of the spectrum, he also knew how to be compassionate and was very helpful to me both when I was grieving the passing of my son and when I was grieving the passing of my wife.  Tom would be the best one here today to help us all cope with his passing, yet…the irony.  I do believe his sense of humor would see the irony…although I also know he would never want to bring such sadness to his family and friends.   

I recall when we were roommates at Ga Tech, Tom was a civil engineer and I was a mechanical engineer and we would always try to get under each others skin as to which “engineering” was better.  I would tease Tom about how civil engineers go out and destroy the natural beauty of the land with roads and buildings.  But Tom's logic was simple, sound and to the point: somebody is going to be hired to do the job.  So it may as well be him so he can do the job right for our environment.  And I must say, I believe I can speak for everyone who knew Tom; he was correct, Tom did it right and he did it right for all of us and for the beauty of the surroundings in which we live.  We are all fortunate to have had Tom working for us to keep his projects in sync with our environment.  Tom was always very meticulous about his work and he made sure it was true and properly designed to be compatible with the surroundings and especially in balance with Mother Nature. 

Tom's desire and ability to stick to detail with his excellent recall always made his critiques of Tech 
football games remarkably enjoyable.  Whether Tom saw the game at the stadium or on the tube his rendition was always great.  I missed many football games living up here north of the Mason-Dixon, but Tom could give a ten or fifteen minute recap that equaled anything that could be read in a newspaper or read in a blurb on the web.  And his passion for Tech teams made his synopsis that much more interesting, exciting, and just plain better. 

I am also very saddened, Marti, that I am unable to be there with you and the kids at this time of sorrow to help you grieve Tom's passing.  I wish I could be there to share some of the sadness with you all to perhaps lesson your burden in some small way.  

We are all fortunate to have known Tom and to have been exposed to his wisdom, his judgment and his sense of humor.  Tom was a wonderful father, a loving husband, a great friend, and there wasn't a better Tech fan around.  All we can do now is pray to God to give you and all of us the strength to carry on through this time of sadness.  God Bless.   Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

With Great Sadness and Heavy Heart,
Ronnie and the Parise Family 

PS: I must share the joke Tom loved to repeat from his dad.  Tom would start out by simply asking: “What's the difference between a duck?”  You'd look at him and say, “Huh?” And he would repeat, “What's the difference between a duck?”  So you'd look at him kind of side ways and ask, “A duck and what?”  And Tom would repeat, a bit more emphatically, “What's the difference between a duck?”  So you would ask again, “A duck and what?”  And Tom would repeat, this time very emphatic, “What's the difference between a duck?”  You'd shrug your shoulders and repeat, “A duck and what?”  Tom would look at you and again repeat slowly and distinctly, “What is the difference between a duck?”  Then with a grin he would continue, “Don't you know? It's simple.  What's the difference between a duck?”  Then he would quickly answer, “One of his legs are both the same.”  Then when you looked at him confused, he'd repeat for you, “What's the difference between a duck?  One of his legs are both the same.”  He would then just shrug his shoulders, smile and say, “That was dad's favorite joke.”  Well Tom that was one of my all-time favorite jokes.  Thanks.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Hi Marti,

I'm very saddened to hear of Tom's illness and passing. I know you had a great life together and he will be sorely missed by everyone.  All the best to you and your family in this time of mourning and remeberance.

My heart goes out to you and I hope that God's promise to one day soon bring an end to all suffering, will be of comfort to you.

I didn't get to see my cousin much over the years, but I have such great memories and pics of his family's visits to "the farm" when we were children or "across the creek" at granny's house.  As he grew up, we were all proud of his accomplishments.  I am so very sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around you and give you strength.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I HAVE PRAYED FOR THOMAS AND MARTI AND FAMILY SINCE THE NEWS OF HIS HEALTH FROM HIS MORTON FAMILY REUNION.  I WROTE HIM A LETTER EXPRESSING OUR LOVE FOR HIM ALL THRU OUR GROWING UP-1ST COUSIN YEARS--I SO ADMIRED HIM AND I KNOW MY DAD -HIS UNCLE BASIL AND AUNT MODEAN THOUGHT A LOT OF HIM --HE CAME TO ALL THE FUNERALS WHEN SOMEONE IN OUR ARNOLD FAMILY PASSED-MY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED- GOD GAVE AND USED HIM AND NOW NEEDS HIM AT HOME/HEAVEN--LOVE YOUR FAMILY KATHY ARNOLD JERNIGAN

Wishing his loved ones find comfort in their happy memories at this sad time.

Marti, may God bless you and your family, sorry for your loss

I'm sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time of grief.

I will remember Tom with admiratation and kindness.  He was a friend.  God bless Tom and his family. 
Catherine Scott

He was my little brother, but I always had to look up to him and always will.

Marti, I got your voicemail this evening and thought something was wrong by the sound of your voice. You have been on my mind a lot the past few weeks.I am so sorry to hear the news; I know you and Tom fought the battle valiantly. Please express my sympathy to Thomas and Amanda. I will try to get down for the service Tuesday. Please let me know if you need anything.

OBITUARY

Thomas Neal Morton

April 15, 1950 – February 9, 2013

Sandy Springs Chapel

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