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Thomas Forkner Sr.
1918 - 2017
Thomas Forkner Sr.
1918 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1918
DIED
2017
Thomas Forkner Obituary
Waffle House said in a statement that Forkner died Wednesday, April 26, 2017.
Forkner was working in real estate in Dekalb County outside of Atlanta when he sold a house to Joe Rogers Sr., who was working for the Toddle House restaurant chain. According to Forkner, Rogers proposed the creation of a sit-down, quick-service eatery saying, "You build a restaurant, and I'll show you how to run it." The partners eventually settled on the Waffle House name proposed by Forkner.
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On Labor Day 1955, they opened the first 24-hour Waffle House in the Atlanta suburb of Avondale Estates. The chain had more than 400 restaurants when the two partners sold the business to Joe Rogers Jr. in the late 1970s.
Waffle House Chairman Joe Rogers Jr. said in a statement, "Tom and my father had a handshake deal, and their partnership and friendship continued for more than 60 years.
"Tom and Joe were great partners, Tom working the real estate side of the business and my father operating the restaurants."
A notable golfer, Forkner once finished second in the U.S. Senior Open.
50 Entries
September 18, 2017
Blessings to your family
May 2, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to Forkner family and friends at this difficult time.
How you can show support
Mrs. Lynch
May 1, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn, sustain your family during this difficult time - Isaiah 61:1, 2.
Cameron Todd Stein
May 1, 2017
My , Grandfather Will Never Forget Ur Waffles ...... Tommy So , Stay In Touch !!!!!! & Farewell Brother Tommy But , Let A Man Examine Himself & So Let Him Eat That Bread ????? & Drink Of That Cup ........ Corinthians Chapter 1:12:28
May 1, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alexander Dough
May 1, 2017
You brought many waffles and much joy to many. You will be missed.
Mike Perreault
May 1, 2017
Waffle House is always my happy place on the road, an icon on the highway and truly "Americas Diner".
You were part of a good thing
May 1, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Kimberly Johnson
April 30, 2017
Kimberly Johnson
April 30, 2017
bvd
April 30, 2017
Our condolences to the family of Mr. Forkner. I wish you strength and comfort from above. Pray to the Most High as Jesus did for comfort ,John 17:1-3
Paulette Garton
April 30, 2017
Marti,
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your father. You loved him greatly from the first time we met at Callaway Hall. I hope you rely on your many wonderful memories to sustain you. May God bless you and your family.
Paulette Bernheim Garton
J
April 30, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Angie Mcpherson
April 29, 2017
I remember you telling me once, many moons ago, when I asked how do we become successful in life and ill never forget you telling me to always put God first, pay your tithes n take care of yourself so you can take care of others.I've never forgot that.I've always made it thru the hard times remembering your words.I enjoyed working with the Forkner family...I know your dancing n heaven w Mrs. M....Tom Jr...Im sending hugs n prayers your way.peace be with your family..hope to see yall soon...Ms Angie M
C. Watts
April 29, 2017
With sympathy wishing you many peace filled memories (2nd Thessalonians 3:16)"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace constantly in every way. May the Lord be with all of you."
Kennedy
April 29, 2017
To the family of Thomas Forkner Sr. sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you rely on the God of comfort and all your beautiful memories to sustain you.
Tyler
April 29, 2017
Condolences to the Thomas Forkner Sr.family may you find peace from God during your time of grief.Read Room.15:33
April 29, 2017
My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Forkner's family and friends during this time of grief.
April 29, 2017
Please accept our condolences during this difficult time.
April 29, 2017
Condolences to the Forkner family from Jean's next door neighbor in Calloway Hall. Your father was apparently a fine man, and I wish you peace and comfort at this time.
April 29, 2017
My condolences to the Forkner family. I hope you are surrounded with kind words, good memories and the comfort that only God can provide.
April 29, 2017
The children of the late Jessie Solomon pray God's comfort on the Forkner Family. Our prayers are with you.
R C
April 29, 2017
To The Family Of Thomas Forkner Sr.
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days aheads.
McGhed
April 29, 2017
At the end of a legacy is a life of love and memories. Hold tight to those memories and allow them to comfort you. May the God of comfort bring you peace and love to endure.
April 29, 2017
I would like to send my condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Mike Grayson
April 29, 2017
The Waffle House in Anderson,S.C. was like our second office back in 70's. We operated a used car lot next door. Lot's of memories. Thank you and may God comfort all at this time of loss...
April 29, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Forkner family.
Rev. 21:4
April 28, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carlotta
April 28, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Forkner family and friends at this difficult time.
April 28, 2017
Goodbye Mr Forner. May his family and friends be comforted by our great God who gives in a large way. God love you.
Anne
April 28, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family. I truly hope in this difficult time, you find peace in the god of all comfort.
Harry Simpson
April 28, 2017
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Thomas, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
April 28, 2017
To the family you have my condolences. We are all looking forward to a time when death will be a thing of the past. -Isaiah 65:17
Z
S.J
April 28, 2017
I have had and continue to have wonderful experiences whenever I visit the Waffle House. The menu is amazing and the deals are great. Mr. Forkner's memory will continue to live on for ages.
Your Dad at East Lake ~ classic <3
Allana Kyall *FORSYTH*
April 28, 2017
Tom Jr. & Allison ~ my thoughts & prayers go out to you & everyone in your families at this time. 98 years of precious memories... and yet there is never enough time.
Rhonda
April 28, 2017
May the hearer of prayer comfort you all throughout this most difficult time.
Matthew 21:22 -
Carol Horton
April 28, 2017
So sorry to hear about Tom, but I know he has a big smile on his face with Martha at his side. They were both very lovely folks.
A True Angel
Michael Marksberry
April 28, 2017
I have known this family for almost 30 years,Had a close relationship with Tom.Never did Tom have an unkind word for anyone.I enjoyed our many rounds of golf together.He taught me much more than golf,The way he lived his life changed mine,Mikie
Scott Chamberland
April 28, 2017
Rest in Peace
Lyn
April 28, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 28, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 28, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Thomas Forkner Sr.'s passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
Adrian Barnette
April 27, 2017
We'll miss you !
Lee Lockett
April 27, 2017
to the Forkner family so sorry for your lost,my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.(revelation21:3-4)
Buk Prive
April 27, 2017
I really enjoyed every visit to waffle house while i was a truck driver. So thanks and may you rest in peace. May god comfort your family
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