Thomas EVERETT

Family-Placed Death Notice

EVERETT, Thomas M/Sgt. Thomas Everett (Sarge) M/Sgt. Thomas Everett (Sarge) was born September 22, 1935 in Atlanta, GA to the parentage of Mr. Howard and Mrs. Allie Everett. He graduated from David T. Howard High School in 1953. He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18. He was a Master Sergeant and served for 23 years. He fought in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. He was stationed in numerous places such as Incheon, Korea, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Paris Island, South Carolina; Barstow, California; Albany, Georgia; and Atlanta, Georgia. He won many awards such as Korean Service Medal Award, Sharp Shooter Medal Award, and Gallantry Cluster Award. He was honored to receive a special duty station in Atlanta, Georgia, as the "First African American Marine Recruiter". He was the top recruiter for the entire Southern region. During his assignment, he received an award for inducting the largest number of Marine recruits and received a Marine NCO Sword. The Marine Corps NCO Sword has strong symbolism for those who earn it. It represents their achievement and ambition for the future. It connects them to the Marines of the past. It is a very prestigious award. Also, he was in charge of the color guards at the Atlanta Hawks games. His most memorable moment was serving in the Vietnam War because he in change of his unit when a U.S. Aircraft Carrier approached landing and missed the landing strip. During the second attempt, the U.S. Aircraft Carrier got course and hit a mine. Thomas (Sarge) and his unit were successful in saving numerous U.S. Soldiers from the crash. After retiring from the military, Thomas (Sarge) worked/retired from the Norfolk Southern Railway Company as an engineer, with 25 years of service. Thomas (Sarge) served faithfully at Gresham Park Athletic Recreational Center as a volunteer coach and umpire for well over 20 years, in which he received two Lifetime Achievement Awards for untiring dedication and commitment to youth sports. "Sarge" was also a charter member of the Georgia Birdies Golf Association, based at Sugar Creek Golf Course in Decatur, Georgia. He was a faithful member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Decatur, Georgia; in which he was a charter member as a "Welcome Minister." Celebration of Life Service for Thomas Everett will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 2650 Tilson Rd., Decatur. Rev. Father Eric J. Hill, pastor. Instate 10 AM. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the church at 10:30 AM on the day of service. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bernise Everett; son, Thomas Everett, Jr. (Karen) of Snellville, GA; daughter, Monique Everett-Day of Snellville, GA; grandsons, Royal Christopher and River Knight Christoph Everett, Joe Levi Day; granddaughters, Ce'air Shantel and Winter Skylar Everett; 2 sisters Helen Everett White of Albany, GA and Gwendolyn Everett Hyman (George) of Conley, GA; and a host of other relatives and friends. On Friday, public viewing will be from 1 - 9 PM with a Wake Service 7:30 - 9:00 PM at Murray Brothers Cascade Chapel, 1199 Utoy Springs Rd. SW (404) 349-3000 www.mbfh.com.